The Jewish News - December 2011 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties FEDERATION NEWS

DECEMBER 2011

Volume 41, Number 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 6A 12A 14A 21A 23A 26A 27A 1B 8B 12B

Local News Focus on Youth Community Focus Jewish Interest Commentary Israel & the Jewish World Life Cycle Jewish Happenings Chanukah Recent Events

8A Temple High Holy Day food drives

15A Temple Sinai Food Fest

10B

Celebrating 40 Years! Published by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee www.jfedsrq.org

The Sarasota/Kiryat Yam connection: The partnership…the potential impact By Joan Lowery

n September, I joined seven other members of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s “Living Bridge” committee for a visit to Kiryat Yam, Israel. Our stated goal was to explore how our two coastal cities can create a vibrant cultural, educational and potential economic partnership. The purpose of this partnership is to form a “living bridge” between Jewish people in both countries in order to foster friendship, understanding, awareness, learning, creativity and an ongoing exchange about our Jewish experience as Americans and as Israelis. Why Kiryat Yam? Why is this program so meaningful? What impact might it have on the Jewish community in Sarasota and, more personally, what impact might it have on me? What questions (and answers) might participation in this program raise for us as Jews in America? The project seemed enticing; thus I jumped at the chance to be a member of the committee. In describing our trip and its possible future implications, I will shuttle between “the facts” and my own subjective experience. I think this is the appropriate way to approach the subject as this is exactly how the partnership will ultimately impact our communities. While there will surely be a plan and clear strategy developed for our partnership, there is a highly personal aspect as well. Hopefully, more subjective outcomes of this partnership will help each of us to go deeper into our understanding of what it means to be a Jew, what our relationship to Israel might look like, and to better understand how we

can strengthen our identity and ensure the survival of our Nation. Planning for the trip In the meetings we had before going to Kiryat Yam, Federation Executive Director Howard Tevlowitz encouraged us to “think outside the box” of what might be possible for this partnership. He asked us to keep our minds open to the creativity that could only develop as we became acquainted with our Israeli counterparts. He cautioned us that it would not be easy to cast aside any preconceived notions of how the partnership should look. He requested that we

Coastal city of Kiryat Yam

remain willing to live with ambiguity and trust that as an intelligent and dedicated committee we would find our way to developing a long-term partnership with Kiryat Yam around mutually beneficial cultural, educational and, perhaps, even economic goals. Kiryat Yam: Background and challenges Kiryat Yam, located on the Mediterranean between

continued on page 2A

Sharia Law: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Iran and Iraq…why should we care?

Mini Sufganiyot recipe

By Geneve Kallins, Israel Advocacy and Outreach Associate

12B Sukkot celebrations and other recent events A publication of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 Annual voluntary subscription: $25

magine living in a country where religion and state are not separate; in which freedom of speech and religion are prohibited. Imagine crimes such as robbery and adultery are punishable by the amputation of limbs or being stoned to death. Imagine that a female infant can be married off to an adult male in which the marriage may be consummated when the child is physically able to bear the weight of her husband on top of her. Yes, all this and more is justified under Sharia law and its influence is sweeping through the Middle East forcing many to question, who is next? To many, the Arab “Spring” was considered Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA FL PERMIT 167

a loud cry by young Arabs demanding to rid their countries of the tyrannical autocratic governments suppressing them for years. Many had hoped that this uprising would usher in some form of “democratic rule” to replace the existing corrupt regimes, bringing with it; new light, justice and opportunity to the Muslim world. Unfortunately, Spring may have turned to Winter resulting in the overthrowing of several dictatorships, with Sharia law as a replacement. Perhaps just speculation at one time, the trend throughout the Middle East is proving that the longstanding goals of many Islamist groups in

Chanukah begins Tuesday night, December 20

continued on page 4A

FEDERATION NEWS

December 2011

Sarasota/Kiryat Yam connection...continued from page 1A Akko and Haifa, is celebrating its 70th birthday. The city was founded by 132 immigrant families who came from displaced persons camps in Germany and Cyprus after the Holocaust. Today approximately half of its 45,000 residents are immigrants. It is a city that has been faced with the daunting challenge of absorbing thousands of poor Jewish immigrants from as far away as Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union. It has been a highly complex and challenging task to help these diverse populations adjust to a much different life in Israel, while at the same time, to affirm their rich and vibrant cultural backgrounds, histories and experiences in the Diaspora. Mayor Shmuel Sisso, our host, greatly impressed us with the strength of his commitment to helping Kiryat Yam citizens successfully adapt to Israeli life. He is a visionary with the intelligence, know-how and personal charisma to transform this once impoverished city into a model of transformation. Under his leadership, Kiryat Yam has created a host of nationally recognized innovative educational and cultural programs geared toward helping its citizenry successfully navigate the immigrant experience and become fully engaged Israelis. He takes pride in sharing what they have achieved and it is clear that Kiryat Yam residents appreciate his ability to get things done in a masterful way.

A most gracious welcome Mayor Sisso, members of his staff, and a group of selected volunteers from Kiryat Yam hosted our three-day visit. They welcomed us as family and from the start impressed us with their wonderful hospitality. Everywhere we visited, we were showered with food, gifts and warm Israeli welcomes by both project leaders and program participants. From dancing with the seniors at their lively “golden age” center to being handed chocolate roses by a crew of police officers, we were made to feel very special and most welcome. Each night we were “wined and dined” and duly impressed by the variety, quality and amazing tastes of Israeli fare. The Sarasota connection A proud and critically important centerpiece of Kiryat Yam life was made possible through the generosity of Sarasota philanthropist Betty Shoenbaum. A $5 million donation enabled the city to build the Alex and Betty Shoenbaum Science, Education, Cultural & Sports Campus. It includes a Planetarium, an “I-Maxlike” in-the-round virtual Aquarium, and the recently opened Ethiopian Cultural Center, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich and unique history and culture of Ethiopian Jews. The Shoenbaum Campus, which is located close to the schools and central library, has become a rallying point for bringing the city’s diverse populations together to share, learn and take pride in

“Living Bridge” committee members: Alan Ades, Noah Rosenberg, Joan Lowery, Anne Stein, Mitch Brown, Irwin Davis, Ruth Ades, Howard Tevlowitz

their respective backgrounds. Highlights of our journey The city has created highly innovative programs in the areas of mental health, special needs education, programs for “golden agers,” multi-generational programs, and art, dance and music education. It was inspiring to visit, for example, the Music Academy in which the children of Ethiopian and Soviet bloc immigrants are training to become classical musicians while winning acWoman celebrating the opening of an colades throughout Europe for their Ethiopian synagogue in Kiryat Yam musical accomplishments. We attended a Dance Academy performance and Is being culturally Jewish and maybe, or maybe not, practicing the resaw a dance piece that is also receiving ligion a viable way of keeping the acclaim throughout Europe. Jewish people alive and thriving? At the Kiryat Yam Library, we discovered that they offer far more How diverse are we as a Jewish people and how can we appreciate, than books. It is a place where immiaccept and collectively ensure the grants learn to speak Hebrew and presurvival of our people living both pare for becoming active participants within and outside the borders of in Israeli life. Another library program Israel for the near and long-term? brings multiple generations together by teaching children how to interview The future the families of fallen soldiers as well as The Kiryat Yam “Living Bridge” comHolocaust survivors. The children cre- mittee members will be visiting Saraate drawings, journals and photo books sota at the end of January to learn more which are displayed for the public to learn from and enjoy. Mayor Sisso arranged for us to attend the opening of an Ethiopian synagogue. We were included in a joyous African musical celebration through the streets of Kiryat Yam to welcome this new facility. We shared in the happiness of the congregation and their spiritual Ethiopian children at the Community Center in Kiryat Yam leader (the Kess) as they opened the about our community, to gain a greater doors to their new house of worship. The opportunity: personal reflections understanding about what it means to be Jewish in the Diaspora and to further and questions Aside from the programming aspects of explore partnering opportunities. The the partnership that we will create and Israeli-American committee has great enjoy with Kiryat Yam, the experience hopes for creating the kind of partnerraised several more personal questions ship, friendship and joint opportunities that are relevant for us to consider as we that will make both Kiryat Yam and move forward. Our Israeli-American Sarasota residents feel that they have a partnership can help us reflect upon the welcoming “home away from home” to visit and enjoy. following significant questions: (After the visit from the Kiryat Yam What is it like to be Jewish in the st committee members in January, Joan 21 century? What are the many challenges and will report on the Living Bridge comprisms through which we, as Jews, mittee’s future plans in an upcoming issue of The Jewish News.) view ourF LJewish O R I D A’Sidentity? P R E M I E R P R O F E S S I O N A L T H E AT R E t S A R A S O TA

is proud to present

Jeff Jacoby

A ‘Two-State Solution’ and Other Myths

of the Middle East

Leah Napolin & Isaac Bashevis Singer, by

based on Yentl, the Yeshiva Boy by Isaac Bashevis Singer

Is there really a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict? Are Jewish settlements an obstacle to peace? Does true peace lie at the end of the peace process? Boston Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby argues that much of what everybody “knows” to be true about the Arab-Israeli conflict is actually not true at all. Jeff Jacoby has been an op-ed columnist for The Boston Globe since February 1994.

Sunday, December 11, 2011 7:00 p.m. - Beatrice Friedman Theater

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Federation Campus, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota

Jan. 20-Apr. 26

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Questions? Contact Mary Everist at 941.371.4546 x119 or meverist@jfedsrq.org This program is generously underwritten by Helen and Len Glaser The Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232 941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

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FEDERATION NEWS 3A December 2011

Educating Jewish teens on the Holocaust and Israel Continuing one man’s lifelong passion By Sarah Ida Tedesco

or the Kantor family, giving back to the community is something they felt would be the best way to memorialize the life of a loving father, grandfather and husband, Dr. Robert Kantor. After traveling to the Chabad of Sarasota last May for a Sefer Torah dedication that was commissioned by the Kantor family, David Kantor heard six Sarasota-Manatee teenagers speak about their personal experiences on a life-changing mission, the March of the Living International. March of the Living is a two-week journey to Poland and Israel in which Jewish teens from all over the world join Holocaust survivors to learn about their lives during the horror of the Third Reich, and to then experience the beauty of Israel.

Rona & Dr. Robert Kantor z”l

Dr. and Mrs. Kantor had commissioned the Torah for Chabad as a gift to the Jewish community, and the Kantor family was here to dance in joy as the congregation welcomed the new Torah. As David heard these six ambassadors speak about their mission, he felt their passion for the March of the Living experience and the future of the Jewish people. As the couple listened to the six teenagers speak about their emotional experience, they felt that this was a cause their father would treasure. The president of Chabad of Sara-

sota, Dr. Barry Stein, spoke before the March of the Living participants to introduce the program’s mission and the importance of educating youth to the future of Judaism. Dr. and Mrs. Stein donated to the March of the Living program at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee after participating in the adult mission the previous year. The philosophy that Dr. Stein presented hit home for the Kantor siblings. This philosophy was the same one that their father stood for. Dr. Kantor was passionate about Holocaust awareness and fighting anti-Semitism. To keep the flame alive that their father had lit, the Kantor family is donating to this fund. Just as these six teens experienced the life-changing March of the Living trip through the donations of others, the Kantor family hopes to add to this tradition in a meaningful way. Although Dr. Kantor was not a Holocaust survivor himself, and nor were any of his biological relatives, he deeply felt the significance of this period in history. As a previous March of the Living participant, and one of the speakers at the Chabad of Sarasota Sefer Torah dedication, I want to personally thank the entire Kantor family for their generosity. The March of the Living mission has opened my eyes to the sick realism of genocide, and given me the tools to fight back against ignorance and hate. The Kantor family’s philanthropy in their father’s honor will be one appreciated by the fortunate students who are given this tremendous opportunity. I feel assured that the recipients of the March of the Living scholarship will be future Holocaust awareness advocates, and that would have made Dr. Robert Kantor proud. For more information about the March of the Living program, please contact Orna Nissan at 941.371.4546 x104 or onissan@jfedsrq.org.

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FEDERATION NEWS

December 2011

Playing for Time – a poignant story from the Holocaust

Sponsored by

By David Grace, Generations After co-Chair

laying for Time is a movie about choices. It tells the story of the women’s orchestra in AuschwitzBirkenau and is based on the autobiography of Fania Fénelon. Who, you might ask, was the audience for their musical programs? The answer is the Nazis – the heads of the camps, including Dr. Josef Mengele (does he really deserve the Dr. tag?). Also, the women’s orchestra provided the music that accompanied the victims on the way to their deaths. The orchestra members lived separately from the rest of the camp and had, by camp standards, an easier time. Thus, they were disliked and resented by other camp prisoners. So the choice comes down to the moral issue of what is right and what is wrong; what should you do or not do to save your life? The

movie, starring Vanessa Redgrave (Fa- ations After group on Monday, October nia Fénelon) and Jane Alexander (Alma 24 in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on Rose, the head of the orchestra), asks the Federation campus, and facilitated by Irene Mirkovic. Irene introduced the these questions repeatedly. The orchestra players are indeed movie by telling us the background and the controversy of havspared from death, but in ing Vanessa Redgrave, return they have to deal who at that time was with the cost of their good well known for her supfortune. The characters struggle with their love of port of the PLO, play the lead role. After the movie, music, their hatred of the Irene continued with a Nazis, and their desire to question and answer seslive. The movie was made Irene Mirkovic and David Grace for TV by Linda Yellin and sion. Yes, Fania survived. first aired in 1980. With a great script Yes, there were some inaccuracies as from Arthur Miller and terrific acting by elements were changed for dramatic Redgrave and Alexander, as well as the effect. But overall, the movie does a supporting cast, it went on to win four good job of presenting the facts. And, Emmy Awards and the Peabody Award. yes, there was further lively discussion The movie was presented to the Gener- about the Vanessa Redgrave casting.

Playing for Time is a relevant and poignant story from the Holocaust which was shown in many countries on its original release date. Now, due to its more recent DVD release, whole new generations of people get to see it and that is a very good thing. I am far more interested in the real story, in the real people whose lives were forever changed, than in controversies about cast choices. The big picture is that reminding people not to forget the lessons of the Holocaust is as important today as it was in 1945. To learn more about Holocaust Programs, please contact Orna Nissan, Director, Holocaust Education and Israel Programs, at 941.371.4546 x104 or onissan@jfedsrq.org.

Sharia Law...continued from page 1A Muslim countries is to reinstate Sharia law; a law with no parallels resembling anything close to a democracy or democratic values. So what exactly is Sharia law one might ask, and more importantly, why should we care? Sharia which translates to “path” or “way” is believed by devout Muslims to be the law of Allah. Sources of Sharia are the Qur’an and the sunna, Muhammad’s tradition. It is both a moral code and form of Islamic religious legislation, or simply put, Islamic law in which there is no separation between religion and state. The Islamic religion itself is the governing law. Although Sharia law can and often does vary, depending on interpretation and where it is practiced, the basic fundamentals remain universal. Some Sharia laws to consider include: 1. A man is permitted to have up

2. 3.

to four wives, given he is able to provide for and treat each wife equally. Homosexuality is punishable by death-such is the case in Iran. There is no age limit for marriage of girls under Sharia. The marriage contract can take place anytime after birth and consummated at age 8 or 9, just as the Prophet Muhammad had done. Any Muslim who rejects and leaves the religion Islam must be killed immediately. The testimony of a woman in court is worth half the value of a mans testimony in court. A Muslim woman must cover her entire body in clothing, the “birkah,” although some Muslim countries do allow the face to be shown. Jihad is the religious duty of a

An evening with

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Monday

January 9, 2012

7:00pm Jewish Federation Campus 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota

Tickets are $10

Visit www.jfedsrq.org QueStionS? Contact Geneve Kallins at 941.371.4546 ext. 105 This event is presented by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and The Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative.

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Muslim. Translated correctly, Jihad means “struggle” or “the fight on the way to God”. Technically there are two Jihads; the first being the internal, ethical, spiritual struggle against evil, and the second, to defend Islam and ones country. Many Islamist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood have interpreted this to mean a “holy war”, justifying terrorism as their religious duty under Sharia law to wage in a global “holy war” against non-Muslims or “infidels”. 8. Honor Killings are legal and justified. 9. To prove rape, a woman must have four male witnesses. 10. Non-Muslims are not equal to Muslims and must comply with Sharia law in which they are to convert to Islam or face death. These are just a few of the many Sharia laws that are being adopted and reinstituted in much of the Muslim world like Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. Countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, although more strict in their interpretation and implementation of Sharia, are undoubtedly influencing much of the Muslim world, encouraging the institutionalization of Sharia law. Terrorist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas and the Taliban all support Sharia law and are taking

a leading role in the recent absence of government, replacing corrupt regimes with a corrupt system of justice that defies democracy and ignores modernity. Perhaps the greatest concern is that much of the “moderate” Muslim world remains silent. Israel, a tiny democratic country relatively the size of New Jersey is smack dab in the middle of this uprising. It is no secret that the Muslim world is no friend of Israel and would like to see the Jewish state cease to exist. For such a democracy to exist in the midst of such mayhem, it is legitimate to question whether or not the tiny Jewish state can prevail among enemies that detest its democratic nature to the very core. Europe and other Western countries are not immune to Sharia law either. Europe’s demographics are changing rapidly as Muslim populations continue to rise. If Muslims there support Sharia law and grow to outnumber Europeans, Europe too might see the day when it is governed by Sharia law. One can only hope that with this Arab Spring, one dictatorship will not be traded in for another. A bully is easy to remove from power as the Muslim world has demonstrated through the Arab Spring. However, an ideology based on religious law like Sharia is a much more difficult and dangerous opponent to grapple with.

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FEDERATION NEWS 5A December 2011

December 2011

Where do we go from here?

By Rabbi Howard A. Simon, Chair of the Robert and Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative Established 1971

PUBLISHER The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232-1959 Phone: 941.371.4546 Fax: 941.378.2947 E-mail: jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Website: www.jfedsrq.org Published Monthly Volume 41, Number 12 December 2011 44 pages in two sections USPS Permit No. 167 January 2012 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: December 28, 2011 Advertising: December 1, 2011 PRESIDENT Nelle Miller EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Howard Tevlowitz ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marty Haberer COMMUNICATIONS CO-CHAIRS David Gruber, Linda Lipson MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein CREATIVE MANAGER Christopher Alexander ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi PROOFREADERS Adeline Silverman, Stacey Edelman JOSEPH J. EDLIN JOURNALISM INTERN Haven Miller MISSION STATEMENT: The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee strives to be the source of news and features of special interest to the Jewish community of Sarasota-Manatee, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community, and to communicate the mission, activities and achievements of the Federation and its Jewish community partners. OPINIONS printed in the Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, its Board of Directors or staff.

e stood before the United Na- of any kind. In his speech before the tions, indeed before the world, UN, Prime Minister Netanyahu invited and proclaimed his wish that Mahmoud Abbas to join him in one of this worldwide organization recognize the rooms at the UN building and togeththe Palestinian Authority’s wish to be- er, head to head, “let us work out a peace agreement.” Again the come an independent state, offer was rejected. the 22nd Arab state in the Once more the Middle East. world asks where do Mahmoud Abbas did not we go from here? Cerreach out to Israel in an extain realities must be pression of friendship and accepted by all sides of recognition. On the contrary, the controversy. First he stood before the world and foremost, Israel and lied in the most blatant wants peace and will terms regarding what the Paldo all she can to attain estinians had done to achieve this goal. Secondly, Ispeace in the Middle East and Rabbi Howard A. Simon how Israel had done nothing rael has said for years to further this goal. How amazing it is to that the solution to this controversy is a realize that a leader of a country seeking two-state agreement. What Israel wants universal recognition would ignore the is for the Palestinians to recognize and realities of history and blame Israel for accept Israel as a Jewish state as Israel any and all problems in the Middle East. accepts a Palestinian state in the West In 2000, at Camp David, then Prime Bank. Do that and peace will come. Fail Minister Ehud Barak accepted a peace to do this and there will be no peace plan that would give the Palestinians whatsoever. The door to a negotiated their own state and ever so much more. peace is, and has been, open to the PalThe offer was rejected by Yassir Arafat. estinians for years. They will not walk In 2008, Ehud Olmert, Israel’s Prime through that door. In fact, in preparation Minister, offered the Palestinians 100% for his United Nations speech, Abbas of the West Bank and much more. This signed a reconciliation agreement with too was rejected by the Palestinian lead- Hamas, thus slamming shut the door to ership that, in fact, did not want peace peace with Israel. Hamas will not ac-

Buy One, Get One, Give One: How to support the JFCS Food Pantry

hanks to the generosity of our Jewish community, the Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) Food Pantry is able to provide canned goods and staple grocery items to families who turn to the agency for help with basic life necessities including food. Unfortunately, the economic crisis continues to take a significant toll

Give One. Grocery stores offer weekly specials promoting Buy One, Get One FREE. JFCS asks you to go one step further and donate that Get One FREE grocery item to our Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off at the Fruitville Road Campus of JFCS weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call Andria Bilan at 941.366.2224.

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LETTERS to the editor should not exceed 300 words, must be typed, and include the writer’s name, mailing address and phone number. Letters can be submitted via snail mail or e-mail (jewishnews@jfedsrq.org). Not all letters will be published. Letters may be edited for length and content.

Member publication:

on families who turn to JFCS for help with food and emergency assistance. In 2010, JFCS experienced a 43% increase in the demand for services from individuals seeking help and support. This holiday season, please consider donating food to support families experiencing significant financial difficulties. You can help JFCS through its food pantry initiative…Buy One, Get One,

Looking for something Jewish to do in December? See the Jewish Happenings section for 50 community events.

SUBMISSIONS to the Jewish News are subject to editing for space and content, and may be withheld from publication without prior notice. Approval of submissions for publication in either verbal or written form shall always be considered tentative, and does not imply a guarantee of any kind. Submissions must be sent electronically to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org.

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cept a Jewish state. Hamas has pledged itself to the destruction of Israel and the killing of every Jew in the land. Thus, the Palestinian Authority is no peace partner. It is just a people whose leader speaks out of both sides of his mouth, wants to protect his position in the Arab world, and cares nothing about peace between his people and Israel. Where do we go from here? Israel will continue to extend the hand of peace to the Palestinians. The Palestinians will fail in their quest for recognition by the UN. The situation will become more and more difficult and the proper answer of a two-state solution will go wanting. How sad, how very sad. It could be so different. Our prayer is that there will come a time when wiser heads will prevail in the Palestinian world. May such be so and may it come soon for one and all. To learn about how you can get involved with the Heller IAI, please visit www.helleriai.org or contact Geneve Kallins at gkallins@jfedsrq.org or 941.371.4546 x105.

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LOCAL NEWS

December 2011

Reminding children of the beauty of the Chanukah symbols

Education Corner By Laura Freedman

t begins immediately following the Thanksgiving holiday. It is in the window displays and throughout the malls. It is in the restaurants and it lines the streets. It is in the supermarkets, and it is even in the public schools. “IT” is Christmas. As adults, one can appreciate the festive lights and beautiful displays, but our children need some help navigating through the flashiness that accompanies the holiday season to emerge proud of their own heritage, culture and holiday. One winter evening, when my daughter was two years old, we headed out for a late supper with family. As we backed out of our driveway, she let out a huge gasp of excitement. “Aaaah, sparkly lights!” she exclaimed. The neighbors had newly strung brilliant lights

around their home to celebrate their holiday. This was my first initiation into parenting a Jewish child in America during the “Christmas Season.” It is a yearly dilemma that must be addressed. We are inundated with commercials, decorations and television specials that can make our children feel like an outsider unless we instill a sense of pride in the youth of the Jewish community starting at a very young age. Parents serve as role models for their children. How we react to our surroundings serves as a lesson in itself. We cannot hide out during the months of November and December, so we need to find a positive way to interact with our environment and the setting in which we live. Ignoring the decorations is not the answer. It will only make them more intriguing. Acknowledging the beauty of the scenery is alright, but reminding our children of the beauty of the Chanukah symbols, as well, is very important. Our menorah casts a gorgeous glow, and our blessings are sung with family all around us. We can create our own Chanukah “bling” – lights and sparkles, and decorations do not need to be limited to a menorah and wax candles. These examples are some of the best ways we can model the

This month’s advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in The Jewish News. Abrams Dermatology...................17A Ackerman, Barbara, REALTOR®..10A AFMDA.......................................6B Always Home.................................4B American Technion Society.........15A Bahia Oaks Lodge........................10B Braendel Painting.........................24A Captain Brian’s.............................24A Cat Depot.....................................12A Center for Sight............................23A Chabad of Sarasota........................3A Chabad of Venice & North Port...13A Chevra Kadisha............................27A Classifieds...................................24A Comfort Keepers..........................10B Congregation Kol HaNeshama.....18A Congregation Ner Tamid..............19A Ellin, Ronald, FPC........................17A The Family Jeweler......................17A Florida Holocaust Museum..........10A Fresh Start Cafe...........................24A genzyme......................................15A Greeting Card Outlet....................24A Help at Home Homecare...............25A Israel Bonds...................................9B Jewish Museum of Florida............20A Kamax - Instant Cash for Gold......18A Kobernick Anchin..................25A,3B Koplin, Joan, REALTOR®.............23A Lakehouse West...........................26A Lakewood Ranch Premier Care....17A LCM Capital Advisors.................18A Lerner - Cohen Medical..................7A Livstone, Dr. Elliot........................22A Lox ’n Egg....................................20A Magus, Marcia..............................19A

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beauty of our traditions. Pride in our heritage comes from the understanding of the origins and meaning of the Chanukah celebration. Our story stars some amazing “superheroes” (the Maccabees), whose bravery led to the saving of our temple. Then a little “magic” occurred and the temple’s oil mysteriously and miraculously burned longer than anyone could have imagined. These stories have been shared with children to help them better understand why we light that interestingly shaped candelabra and why we are very proud of our ancestors and their perseverance. Also, providing the opportunity to celebrate with others within the Jewish community will help children develop a sense of pride in their Jewish identity.

Early childhood education, religious school and youth groups, along with Jewish summer camp experiences, all lead to a rich cultural understanding of our traditions and holidays. The Jewish calendar has ample opportunity to celebrate the tenacity of our people through ALL of our holidays. In an environment where everyone is familiar with these traditions, these songs, these lessons, and this culture are comforting and reinforce a sense of pride in their Jewish identity. During the month of December, parents can instill a love of our own holiday celebrations and festive traditions – even among a “sea” of red and green. Laura Freedman is the Director at The Gan at Temple Sinai

JFCS receives Power of Mentoring Showcase Award By Andria Keil Bilan, JFCS VP of Development

ewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) received the Power of Mentoring Showcase Awards from The Alliance for Children and Families New Age of Aging Initiative at its 2011 Annual Conference held October 16-19 in Washington, D.C. Rose Chapman, LCSW, President/CEO of JFCS, accepted the award on behalf of the Board and staff who are committed to the mission of providing comprehensive counseling and social services to all people confronting life’s challenges. The Power of Mentoring Showcase Award recognizes standout agencies that served as mentors in the New Age of Aging’s mentoring grant program.

JFCS was selected based on the degree to which it executed the program’s chief objectives: to develop a culture of mentoring within the Alliance membership and to promote leadership and guidance in the field of aging. The Alliance for Children and Families is a national membership association of over 340 nonprofit human service providers in the United States and Canada. Motivated by a vision of a healthy society and strong communities, the Alliance strengthens the capacities of North America’s nonprofit child- and family-serving organizations to serve and to advocate for children, families and communities.

WANTED!

Vintage photographs and stories of Sarasota-Manatee Jewish History! Would you like to help preserve our community’s fascinating Jewish history? Do you have old photographs or vintage postcards of Sarasota-Manatee? Are you knowledgeable about Sarasota-Manatee Jewish history? Local resident Kimberly Sheintal is currently compiling a photographic Jewish history of SarasotaManatee and is looking for your help! She is assembling historic images and the stories that go with them to be included in an upcoming book to be published by Arcadia Publishing, the nation’s leading publisher of local and regional history. To share your photographs and stories, please contact Kimberly Sheintal at 941-921-1433 or klapshein@aol.com by February 1, 2012. Help keep the local Jewish history alive!

Reprinted with permission from Greencastle-Antrim Revisited, by Bonnie A. Shockey and Kenneth B. Shockey with the Allison-Antrim Museum. Available from the publisher online at www.arcadiapublishing.com or by calling 888-313-2665.

LOCAL NEWS December 2011 7A

December 2011

Jewish education is everywhere By Marden Paru

“

’shinantom l’vonecha” (And you shall teach your children diligently - Deut. 6:7) is one of the most important mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah. It is both familiar to us and recited daily as part of the Sh’ma prayer. So important is this mitzvah, that even before one establishes a synagogue in a new community, the minhag (custom) is to first build a school. Most Jewish communities have emphasized the word “l’vonecha” (for your children) quite literally so that when we speak of Jewish education, what first comes to mind are the children. But we are all children – only some of us are older than others. We are blessed in Sarasota with a Jewish resident population that has attained higher levels of education (more

advanced degrees) than in most other Jewish communities. And as you might imagine, the volume of continuing Jewish education opportunities seems to be greater here than in most communities of this size. Why? The obvious first response is that not everyone plays tennis, golf or mah jongg all the time. But as “People of the Book,” our fellow Jews seek out and take advantage of every type of educational opportunity available in the greater Sarasota area. Just as we are major patrons of the arts, Jews are great consumers of education. There is an abundance of secular-sponsored learning programs, with most at very low cost. We are free to learn for the sake of learning and not in pursuit of credits. But what has impressed me is the amount of adult Jewish education avail-

JFCS launches website for caregivers By Andria Keil Bilan, JFCS VP of Development

ewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) has launched a new website targeting the needs of caregivers that provides information, education and support for the caregiving community under the auspices of its Sarasota CARES Program. The website, www. caregivernetworksrq.org, provides tips for new caregivers, lists community resources, highlights local programs and services targeting seniors and caregivers, spotlights volunteers, and provides suggested readings and healthy recipes. A Caregiver Help Line at 941.364.7560 was recently established by JFCS to provide case management support to caregivers. Other resources include a Caregiver Support Group and Children of Aging Parents Support Group, which offer emotional support, affirmation, understanding and socialization, as well as assistance with community resources for individuals who are serving as caregivers for aging parents, spouses or other family members. Groups are held

in Sarasota and Venice. For more information about these groups, please call Betsy Schwartz at 941.366.2224. Sarasota CARES Program works to enhance caregiver strengths resulting in the reduction of stressors that negatively affect their lives. CARES allows caregivers and their loved ones to determine what services they need and how they wish to receive those services. Volunteer respite home visits, outreach and educational training programs specific to caregiver needs are also available. Sarasota CARES is funded by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. As the lead organization, JFCS is collaborating with nine community partners to bring CARES to the Sarasota area: Goodwill Industries/Sarasota Ministerial Alliance, The Pines Education Institute of Southwest Florida, Sarasota County Government, Sarasota Memorial Hospital Memory Disorder Clinic, SCOPE, Senior Friendship Centers, United Way 2-1-1 of Manasota Inc., and University of South Florida.

able in our shtetl. Synagogues conduct programs of their own, with our rabbis and Jewish educators teaching wonderful classes. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee offers a full menu of educational opportunities replete with year-long courses in the Melton Adult Mini-School program, a Jewish Book Festival, a Jewish Film Festival, and speakers on a regular basis. Some new programs have been added such as the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva and the Chabad JLI programs. There is no shortage of adult education opportunities for our older “children.” Why is this happening? I used to think that daytime television had become boring; only junk reruns were on the “tube.” But the never-ending quest for knowledge about who we are – coupled with continuous wonder-

Happy Hanukkah

Tidewell Hospice is committed to meeting the spiritual and physical needs of our patients and families.

As a certified Jewish Hospice, Tidewell offers: • Mezuzah and Shabbat candles • Bible and prayer book • Spiritual consultation with Rabbi on request • Doula services through Jewish Family & Children’s Services

I nfo rmatio n: w w w. tidewe ll.org • 941-552-7500 • 855-Tidewe ll

A Smarter Path to a Healthier Life.

Kobernick Anchin and Sarasota Memorial Health Care System form partnership

new healthcare service that benefits the entire community is just around the corner. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System personnel are now staffing an anticoagulation clinic on the Kobernick Anchin retirement community’s campus. The Sarasota Memorial Anticoagulation Clinic at Kobernick Anchin is an outpatient medical specialty clinic that will help patients safely manage their anticoagulation medications and increase the amount of time their blood tests (INR) remain in the appropriate range. Normally, patients who are on anticoagulant medication must travel to see a physician weekly to have their blood drawn and results are not immediate. Now, many area residents will find it easier and less stressful to go to

ment about why so much of the world hates Israel and the Jews – compels us to study and seek answers, to fortify our curiosity with the discovery of the richness of our vast literature and ancient Jewish heritage. If you are not familiar with the many programs alluded to here, simply review The Jewish News in any month, look at the ads and the captioned photos, and you will see one of the best education catalogues any community produces for its Jewish constituents. I hope to see you in class. Marden Paru is the Dean and Rosh Yeshiva of the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva, a Melton Instructor and the Director of Continuing Education for Temple Beth Sholom.

Nothing is more important than your health and well-being. At LernerCohen Healthcare, we believe the best path to good health starts with a personal approach to patient care. We limit the number of patients in our practice, spend as much time as necessary for each appointment and recommend lifestyle changes that can improve your quality of life. Our unique personal care focuses on what’s ailing you today, and on optimizing your wellness for the future.

the clinic at Kobernick Anchin instead. Patients must have a referral and visit their managing physician at least once a year. The clinic will operate on Thursday mornings at Anchin Pavilion, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. Depending on volume, hours may expand. Call 941.917.8889 for an appointment. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance cover some or all of the provided services. People who are uninsured may be eligible for free or discounted care.

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The Doctor Is In. Always.

LOCAL NEWS

December 2011

Temple Emanu-El food drive High Holy Day food donation Temple Beth El of Bradenton helps the community yields 6,705 meals for very year, as they leave the synaStressing to all how many of our gogue on Erev Rosh Hashanah, neighbors and friends are in need of extra All Faiths Food Bank the members of Temple Beth El help from Meals on Wheels to feed their

emple Emanu-El’s High Holy Day food drive benefitting All Faiths Food Bank yielded an astonishing 3,675 pounds of food and monetary contributions totaling $2,224 – enough to provide for 6,705 meals. It was the synagogue’s most successful drive in recent memory. “I am so pleased with the response, and so was the food bank,” remarked High Holy Day food drive chair Helene Rosenberg. “Everyone was so eager to help. During the High Holy Days, we think about how to do things better in our lives and feel so aware of the need people have in this community.” Rosenberg explained that grocery bags were distributed after services for Rosh Hashanah, and that worshippers were asked to fill the bags with nonperishable food and bring them back on Yom Kippur. “Some people took two or three bags,” Rosenberg said. “We actually ran out of bags! I don’t think that has ever happened before.”

Rosenberg thanked Rabbi Brenner Glickman as well as Temple EmanuEl’s Social Action Committee, religious school and preschool for supporting the food drive. She noted that Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood’s corps of High Holy Day ushers and Sam Silverberg were instrumental in collecting food from worshippers arriving for Yom Kippur services; some religious school students also stood in the temple driveway to take bags of food directly from cars before drivers went to park. With a recent shortage of donated food at the food bank, including a lighter-than-usual yield from the Letter Carriers Drive, Temple Emanu-El’s contributions were especially needed and welcomed.

and the extended family and friends, pick up and take home grocery bags donated by Albertsons and Publix. This year, with the largest attendance ever at High Holy Day services, we hoped for a huge response and we were not disappointed.

families, we hoped that our pleas would be answered, and indeed they were. The members and friends of Temple Beth El have every right to be proud of their efforts. It was worth seeing the smiles on the faces of the workers at Meals on Wheels.

Kevin and Spencer Rosenstein helped gather bags of food for Meals on Wheels

SaBra Hadassah is organizing volunteers to work at Anchin Pavilion so that the food service staff will be able to spend the Christmas holidays with their families. Please contact Marilyn Stark at 941.925.1852 or Sandy Paris at 941.335.4842 and get involved.

These we honor ANNUAL CAMPAIGN Temple Emanu-El Social Action Committee members Eva Schaal, Emily Tennenbaum and High Holy Day Food Drive Chair Helene Rosenberg stand in front of some of the donated food

IN MEMORY OF Temple Emanu-El Religious School students Eden Glickman, Emanuela Reich and Leo Glickman sort some of the donated food

Intake & referral volunteers needed at JFCS

ndividuals in our community turn to Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) when they can’t do it alone. Oftentimes, their first point of contact is with someone on the phone, helping with information and referral for services. As a result of difficult economic times and the challenges individuals face, JFCS has been overwhelmed with calls for help and now seeks help from the community to respond to these calls. JFCS is actively seeking retired social workers to handle intake calls and provide information and referral services about agency programs as well as other community-based services. Volunteers are needed for approximately four hours per week. If

interested, please contact Tara Booker, Director of Volunteer Services & Community Outreach, at 941.366.2224 x143 or tbooker@jfcs-cares.org.

Irving Blumenthal Claire Love Richard Cobin’s brother Lee Pearly Sandee and Lee Grossman

MAZEL TOV Josh Green on getting Chief of Surgery for Sarasota Memorial Hospital Sandra and Lewis Hanan B’nai Mitzvah of Sydney and Samantha London Sylvia and Lewis Whitman Roddy Samuel’s Birthday Doris and Joseph Miller Howard Tevlowitz and Marty Haberer – Thanks for all your hard work Amy and Stephen Wenke

BOB MALKIN YOUNG AMBASSADORS GET WELL Lee Berkowitz, Intake Volunteer Chair

A Vegetarian & Seafood Eatery Lunch

Dinner

Take-Out

Catering

Make Hanukkah easy this year! Delicious Potato Latkes from Veg! Please order by December 10th.

941.312.6424 • www.vegsrq.com 2164 Gulf Gate Drive • Mon. through Sat.

Joel Fedder Howard and Bryna Tevlowitz

IN MEMORY OF Rachel Fox Sue and Alan Loring Fran Spiegal’s mother Sue and Alan Loring

MAZEL TOV Jessica Katz and Len Steinberg – Thanks for chaperoning our teens on a great trip! Amy and Stephen Wenke

DORIS LOEVNER FUND IN MEMORY OF Betty Sandler’s son Joel Judy Weinstein

HEBREW BURIAL SOCIETY IN MEMORY OF Rachel Fox Bernie Isaacs Phillip Goodwin Elliot Hammer

ISRAEL PROGRAMS GET WELL Howard Tevlowitz Lori and David Liner

IN MEMORY OF Harold May Howard, Marty, Rich and your friends at The Federation Shirley Dinkin Howard, Marty, Rich and your friends at The Federation

MARGE & EARL SHARFF SCHOLARSHIP FUND MAZEL TOV Maggie and Mark Sharff Ray Waldman

Schiff SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel) MAZEL TOV Ilene and Michael Fox – Thank you for your hospitality Laurie Lachowitzer Sol Laufer’s Bar Mitzvah Arlene and Lee Kahn NOTE: To be publicly acknowledged in The Jewish News, Honor Cards require a minimum $10 contribution per listing. You can send Honor Cards directly from www.jfedsrq.org. For more info, call 941.371.4546 x119.

LOCAL NEWS December 2011 9A

December 2011

Temple Beth Sholom fund sponsors historic civil rights exhibit and events The exhibit Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow: Jewish Refugee Scholars at Black Colleges, currently on view at Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, sets the stage for conversations in our area on issues of social justice and discrimination. Sarasota residents sponsor exhibit and programs for the public as tie-ins. local couple, their synagogue, and the African-American community have joined together to initiate meaningful dialogue about historic and contemporary issues of racial and social justice. Tied in to a museum exhibit in St. Petersburg, events in Sarasota emphasize the similarity of the Black and Jewish experience of intolerance and discrimination and what it means for all of us today. The Herman and Sally Boxser Diversity Initiative at Temple Beth Sholom, founded in 2009, underwrites speakers, exhibits and other methods of communication aimed at fostering community-wide education and dialogue for all racial and religious groups. Dan Boxser has lived in Sarasota for three years with his Danish wife, Litten, after 40 years residing in Europe. Mr. Boxser’s parents, Herman and Sally, were always interested in issues of diversity and equality, and through the fund in their memory, the Boxsers bring important social justice programs to the Sarasota area. The Herman and Sally Boxser Diversity Initiative at Temple Beth Sholom first underwrote a program with Morris Dees, founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in Montgomery, Alabama, a nonprofit civil rights organization dedicated to

fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. Inspired by the success of that event in March 2010, and through the local African-American community, the Boxsers discovered a touring exhibit developed by the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City. Thanks to their efforts and underwriting, the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg is now hosting Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow: Jewish Refugee Scholars at

Litten and Dan Boxser

Black Colleges, on view through January 21, 2012. The exhibit tells the little-known story of Jewish academics from Germany and Austria who were dismissed from their teaching positions by the Nazis in the 1930s. Some of these scholars fled to the United States where they had difficulty finding teaching jobs in traditionally white universities, but were welcomed into jobs at historically black colleges and universities. Ironically, they escaped Fascism in Europe only to land in the deeply segregated Jim Crow South. The exhibit explores what it meant to the black students at Southern insti-

tutions to have these highly intellectual and cultured professors as their teachers and friends…and the impact American racism had on the refugees as they assimilated into American life. Many became active in the Civil Rights movement. African-American students were exposed to an entirely new culture through these German scholars who opened up doors of opportunity and individual potential. For example, artist John Biggers was taught by the famous Austrian art educator, Viktor Lowenfeld, and became one of the most famous AfricanAmerican artists and professors of art of the 20th century. Dr. Ernst Borinski, a German Jewish sociologist and professor at Tougaloo College in Mississippi, profoundly changed the life of Dr. Joyce Ladner, sociologist, civil rights activist and current Sarasota resident, who organized civil rights demonstrations alongside Medgar Evers. The museum exhibit is based on the book From Swastika to Jim Crow: Refugee Scholars at Black Colleges, by Gabrielle Simon Edgcomb, and a PBS documentary by Joel Sucher and Steven Fischler of Pacific Street Films. Features of the exhibition include artifacts, photographs and two new films by Sucher and Fischler. “We hope to get a better under-

Join us at

Sarasota-Manatee’s Conservative Synagogue

in december All Are Welcome! Come Join Us! Daily Morning Minyan Sunday-Friday, 8:00am

At Baird we offer deep financial expertise with straight talk and genuine care for our clients. Whether we’re protecting or growing your assets, planning for major events in your future or arranging to transfer your wealth to the next generation – our goal is to get you where you want to go and make sure you feel good about getting there.

Thursday, December 1, 7:00pm, Magic Group in the Social Hall

SHABBAT SERvIcES

Sunday, December 4, 9:45am, Bagels & Bios in the Social Hall – “Joseph Trumpeldor” presented by Dr. Godofredo Herzog

Fridays, 6:00pm Saturdays, 9:00am

Shabbat Dinners Fridays, 7:00pm Must RSVP to temple office Rabbi’s Tisch Tuesdays, 8:45am Scholar’s circle Tuesday, 9:50am

Richard Stern Senior Vice President

Judaica Shop, Gail Jagoda Monday-Thursday, 10am-3pm

Private Wealth Management One Sarasota Tower Two North Tamiami Trail, Suite 806 Sarasota, FL 34236 941-906-2840 . 888-366-6603

Idelson Adult Library Monday-Thursday, 10am-3pm

Temple Beth Sholom Wishes the Jewish Community a Happy Hanukkah

Minyan Breakfast Wednesdays, 9:00am

chug Ivri Hebrew Reading & conversation Thursdays, 10:30am

rstern@rwbaird.com

The Museum Exhibit: Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow: Jewish Refugee Scholars at Black Colleges Florida Holocaust Museum 55 Fifth Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727.820.0100 www.flholocaustmuseum.org On view through January 21, 2012

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

ONGOING PROGRAMS

A trusted partner.

standing of this period of our history by our community,” said Dan Boxser, in discussing why the exhibit is so important, and why he hopes that both children and adults of all races will visit the museum and attend related programs. “A lot of our young people, and even many adults in the Jewish and African-American communities, don’t know what Jim Crow is or much about the Holocaust. So this is an opportunity for people to have a better understanding of the cooperation and empathy that existed between these two minority groups that each experienced unmentionable persecution, and discover how their shared experiences enriched them both. It is for consciousness raising and education all around. We especially want to encourage everyone who can to visit the exhibit in St. Petersburg and attend the programs and receptions that augment it.”

Sunday, December 4, 5:00pm, Dinner Honoring Hazzan Diane Nathanson Wednesday, December 14, noon, Sisterhood Paid-up Luncheon Thursday, December 15, 1:15pm, Idelson Library Interesting Lives with Jerry Beck

Temple Beth Sholom 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota, FL 34237

941.955.8121 Email: info@templebethsholomfl.org Website: www.templebethsholomfl.org

Home of Temple Beth Sholom Schools: • The Martin and Mildred Paver Religious School – 941.552.2780 • Justin L. Wiesner Pre School – 941.954.2027 • Goldie Feldman Academy Grades K-8 – 941.552.2770

10A

LOCAL NEWS

December 2011

Rescued from terror By Beverly R. Newman, Ed.D.

six-year-old in 1944 could have been playing with dolls or deported to a brickyard and then to Budapest on one long train of cattle cars. She could have been safe or put in dire danger. She could have undressed dolls or witnessed women, naked, screaming from humiliation. In Budapest, 1,678 Jews, including little Rifka Moskovitz (Glatz), now of Longboat Key, were loaded like cheap cargo onto a train bound for Spain or Turkey to show the world the Nazis were not killing Jews. But these cattle cars were diverted to Bergen-Belsen,

where Rifka lingered for four months, while “Every single day was a peril… and big German Shepherds were everywhere.” Rifka describes this “big trauma for a child” in chilling detail; how “the main occupation of everybody was what to eat next…like dirty water with ugly things floating in them.” Anne Frank was nearby but did not survive. Before deportation, Rifka’s valiant mother was prepared. “Every one of us had a knapsack,” so Rifka had layers of clothing, and her “mother sewed a mezuzah into the lining of her coat.” Their rescue to Israel by a courageous Jew is more than legendary. A young Hungarian lawyer with cool demeanor risked his own life to save Rifka and 1,677 other precious Jews by negotiating directly with Nazi butcher Eichmann, first for 1,000,000 lives, then for a few hundred thousand, and finally for over 1,000 from every faction of Jewish society. Of her rescuer, Razsö Kasztner, Rifka proclaims, “I think this man should be honored, should be remembered, should be spoken about.” Tragically, Rifka’s hero was murdered by an assassin who believed that Kasztner had betrayed the Jews by not warning the Hungarian Jews of their peril and by negotiating with Nazis for Jewish lives, one of whom lives on to praise Kasztner forever.

Dr. Allan Weissman’s works of art on display

emple Beth El (TBE) Bradenton of Bradenton’s pride always goes to its beautiful stained glass windows, so beautifully done by Dr. Allan Weissman and donated to Temple Beth El. Dr. Weissman, a dentist before retiring, had a vision and TBE’s windows were the beneficiary. He is also a tal-

Save the Date

Dr. Allan and Bobbi Weissman

ented and dedicated artist of the canvas. This was brought out to the entire community recently as his art work, specifically his baseball art, has been on display at the Braden River Branch of the Manatee Library on SR70. All can come out and see his works of art.

Dr. Allan with Janet Ritman and Al Kalish

Florida Holocaust Museum To Life Dinner Thursday February 23, 2012, 6:30 in the evening Progress Energy Center for the Arts – The Mahaffey Theater – St. Petersburg, Florida The 2012 Loebenberg Humanitarian Award will be presented to and accepted by Professor Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor, Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States Congressional Gold Medal and the 1986 Nobel Laureate Prize for Peace.

Enjoy cocktails, dinner-by-the-bite, desserts and coffee. A silent auction offering luxury travel packages, dining opportunities, selected pieces of artwork, and a chance opportunity drawing for an upscale cruise will be offered.

Celebrating 20 Years!

Following dinner, a duoPiano performance by Dick Hyman and Derek Smith is the featured entertainment for the evening. The cost to attend the event is $150 per person.

Save

the Date

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Jay Kaminsky, 727.820.0100, extension 274 or jkaminsky@flholocaustmuseum.org.

Presenting Media Sponsors:

the light.

During Hanukkah, we connect with each other and the next generation ... to create lasting Jewish memories. Experiencing the holidays through story telling keeps our traditions alive. When you light the candles this year, think about how your gift to the Federation brings light to thousands of Jewish people at home, in Israel and around the world.

Be the light.

Visit www.jfedsrq.org or call 941.371.4546.

12A

FOCUS ON YOUTH

December 2011

When there is a will, there is a way Alec Mishkin and his one-man sukkah By Al Goldis A Rescue, Adoption, Education and Resource Center

Jake

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hen a young man goes off to college and is committed to a stern academic program, he has to make decisions on how he will maintain his religious traditions that have been ingrained in him since birth. This picture represents a young man with a strong commitment to maintaining his Jewish traditions. Alec Mishkin is not studying architecture or engineering, but is “walking the talk,” as they say. He built a one-man sukkah with the necessary appointments, including a comfortable chair and an open roof – in essence, a three-sided hut to meet the obligation of the holiday of Sukkot.

Alec’s sukkah has turned into a conversation piece on his campus, and has become a way to share his Jewish beliefs with both his Jewish and non-Jewish peers. Living the traditions of Judaism is not an easy task for any committed Jew, but at Temple Beth Sholom we are very proud of our young adults like Alec Mishkin, who understand the need to carry out the tenets taught to them by their parents and schools. It is refreshing to know that we have young people who will carry the torch for Judaism into the future.

Alec Mishkin observes Sukkot with his one-man sukkah at college

Temple Emanu-El welcomes new youth group advisor By Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman • NAC Accredited School • Preschool Day 9 am - 1 pm • Secular & Jewish Learning • Offering VPK • Hands-On Curriculum • Clean and Safe Facility • Small Class Sizes • Offering Gymnastics, Computers, and Capoeira • Video Surveillance at Entrances • Open from 8 am - 4 pm Growing Minds, Strengthening Bodies, Nurturing Souls.

emple Emanu-El’s new youth group advisor Jennifer Goldstein radiates enthusiasm about Jewish learning. It was not always that way. “I was forced to go to Hebrew school during my entire childhood and adolescence,” Goldstein recalled. “I hated Hebrew school – so it is my mission to make the Hebrew school experience as enjoyable as I can.” With a full slate of appealing, meaningful activities – from overnights to community service to social events – Goldstein is overseeing a wonderful year for Temple Emanu-El Religious School’s (TEERS) youth group. A Salvation Army clinician with a Masters in counseling, Goldstein was happily married, fulfilled at work – but felt something missing. “I was missing being with people I identify with,” she stated.

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“So I reached out to TEERS. Director of Education Sabrina Silverberg made me feel at home immediately. I knew this was the place I wanted to continue my Jewish growth.” A veteran of Jewish overnight camps who lived in Israel and spent time in Poland and Amsterdam, Goldstein has a strong vision of the Jewish life she wants youth groupers to experience. “I believe it is important to create

lifelong friendships with people who are of the same faith,” she explained, “so when it comes time for the children to grow up and move on they will search out people who have the values they do. I want to create fun, stress-free activities and allow children to create friendships they can have forever.” For more information about Temple Emanu-El’s youth group, please call 941.371.2788.

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Join PJ Library for Family Night at ... Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s Lights in Bloom

Sunday, December 18, 2011 • 6:00-9:00pm Giant dragonflies, butterflies, and a red-eyed tree frog will light up the night, as tree men and sugar plum faeries guide your journey. Music and dance performances nightly. Come hear StorieS anD See the LightS! Adults $17, Children 6-11 $6, Members Free Visit www.selby.org for more information This program sends a new age-related book or cd every month! Visit: www.jfedsrq.org

August 5-10, 2012 • Houston, TX Federation will subsidize 10 participants in individual, team sports and performing arts. Visit www.jfedsrq.org or contact Len Steinberg for more info at 941.371.4546 x106 or email lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org. Boy SportS: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Soccer, Swimming, Table Tennis & Tennis • Girl SportS: Basketball, Bowling, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis & Volleyball • performinG ArtS: Acting/Improv, Broadcast Journalism, Culinary Arts, Dance, Jazz, Musical Theater, Digital Photography, Rock Music, Visual Arts & Vocal Music. The Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232

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FOCUS ON YOUTH 13A December 2011

TBS youth group update

SY and Kadima at Temple Beth Sholom had their first event of the year! The ice cream social in October was a hit, attended by over twenty USYers and Kadimaniks. There were many firsts to celebrate. It was the first event in the newly renovated moadon (youth room) with Shiree Weinbaum, the new youth advisor. They made ice cream sundaes covered in rainbow sprinkles and spent time with each other chatting, listening to music, playing games, and taking over the playground and basketball court. It was a great start to the year! Temple Beth Sholom (TBS) is ex-

cited about its three youth groups for Conservative Jewish youth: Halutzim, for grades 3-5, Kadima, for grades 6-8, and USY for grades 9-12. The youth groups are a great way for kids and teens to develop a strong sense of community and Jewish identity while having a lot of fun. They participate in cultural, social, educational and religious events ranging from holiday gatherings and community service to paintball fights and an annual trip to Disney World. TBS also has a newly renovated moadon (youth room) filled with comfortable sofas, games, an entertainment center and a kitchen.”

December 2011

13A

Temple Beth Sholom Schools recently elected its student government for 2011-2012. Students interested in running for office had to prepare a minicampaign which included creating posters, preparing speeches and endearing themselves to their constituents prior to a school-wide vote last month. Congratulations to the new school government! The 2011-2012 student government leaders are Luca Stine, Grade 5 (Treasurer); Moses Glickman, Grade 6 (Vice President); Sierra VanSuch, Grade 8 (President); Amelia Russell, Grade 7 (Secretary).

New dance instructor joins Temple Emanu-El Preschool By Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman

he nationally-accredited and Gold Seal-certified Temple Emanu-El Preschool is delighted to announce the hiring of Nicole Correa as the school’s new Music and Movement specialist.

After beloved longtime instructor Stacy Wright relocated last month to Georgia, Correa took over the popular Music and Movement program, which is offered during regular preschool hours to all students at no additional

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cost. Correa’s classes promote physical coordination, gross motor skills, and a love for music, rhythm and dance. She also helped the children prepare their performances for the recent Thanksgiving Feast and will work with VPK students on their graduation presentation. “Nicole has been employed at the Studio of Dance and Music since 2005 and was highly recommended,” noted Temple Emanu-El Preschool Director Elaine Sharrock, adding that Correa was the Principal Dancer for the Sarasota Ballet from 1994-2001. Correa trained with the American Ballet Theater, the Boston Ballet, and the San Francisco

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Ballet, among others, and has taught at dance academies throughout SarasotaManatee. Temple Emanu-El Preschool offers outstanding Jewish and secular education in a loving, warm, clean and safe environment. Traditional preschool hours as well as extended hours are available. For more information, call 941.377.8074.

the best Nicole Correa

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14A

COMMUNITY FOCUS

December 2011

ORT AmeRicA & The Jewish FedeRATiOn OF sARAsOTA-mAnATee pResenT

New to the area? New to the Federation?

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• Meet other Jewish folks in the area • Learn about upcoming programs & events • Connect with the Jewish community • Enjoy an amazing performance For more information, contact ilene Fox at ifox@jfedsrq.org or 941.371.4546 ext. 110

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You Could Just Plotz: What Can We Learn From Jewish Humor?

Instructor: Marden Paru • Start Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2011 – 4:30 p.m. Federation Campus • Cost: $225 – 10 week session (includes materials) Jewish humor serves as a vital focal point of Jewish learning. This course will cover such diverse Jewish issues as: philanthropy; the art of listening; Jewish ethics; sexuality; customs and ceremonies. This is a text-base course pursuant to the philosophy of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School.

The Holocaust As Reflected in Diaries and Memoirs

Instructor: Rabbi Jonathan Katz • Start Date: Thursday, December 8, 2011 – 4:30 p.m. Temple Beth Israel (Longboat Key) • Cost: $275 – 10 week session (includes all materials) Students explore the profound record of first-person accounts in diaries and memoirs uncovered in the years since the Holocaust, and gain remarkable insights into the struggle for life as both young and old writers describe day-to-day life coping in the ghettoes, imprisoned in the death camps, hiding on the run, and fighting for their lives.

Soul Maps

Instructor: Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz • Start Date: Thursday, January 12, 2012 – 2:00 p.m. Federation Campus • Cost: $150 – 6 week session (includes all materials) Perhaps you have struggled before with the elusive search for meaning, and wished you had a personal mentor to guide your growth. During each session, you’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journeys with joy, purpose and direction.

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Questions? Contact Kim Mullins at 941.371.4546 ext. 103 or via email at kmullins@jfedsrq.org. The Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232 941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

COMMUNITY FOCUS 15A December 2011

December 2011

Temple Beth Israel’s “Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y™”

emple Beth Israel, located at 567 Bay Isles Road on Longboat Key, is the local presenter of “Live” from New York’s 92nd St Y simulcasts. All broadcasts are shown using stateof-the-art equipment on a large, 8 by 15 foot screen. These programs are free for Temple Beth Israel members and just $5 for the general public. All seating is on a first-come first-seated basis. Doors open 30 minutes before the broadcast begins. Parking is free.

Stephen Breyer: Making Our Democracy Work Linda Greenhouse, Moderator Sunday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. Stephen Breyer, associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, gives an insider’s perspective on the court as an American institution today and its shaping of our future. Breyer talks about what the court must do to maintain public confidence and interpret the Constitution in a way that works in practice,

and discusses the relationship between the court and the president, Congress, administrative agencies and the states – along with the role each plays in our democracy. The Epic Struggle to Save Soviet Jewry: Pivotal Figures from a Heroic Era – Natan Sharansky, Elie Wiesel, Gal Beckerman, Margarita Levieva and Richard Perle with Thane Rosenbaum Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 8:00 p.m.

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(DVD of live broadcast from Nov. 9) Join Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, political advisor Richard Perle, and Gal Beckerman, author of When They Come for Us, We’ll Be Gone: The Epic Struggle to Save Soviet Jewry, to discuss the dramatic Cold War period when American Jewry first became politicized as Jews, and Jews behind Russia’s Iron Curtain took grave risks in order to win their freedom and emigrate to Israel or the United States.

The “Big Nosh” is coming to Sinai

Sarasota Jewish Chorale sings at Chanukah venues

By Arlene Stolnitz

ollowing three successful years, Temple Sinai will be hosting its Fourth Annual Food Fest, which will be bigger and better than ever on Sunday, December 11 from 10:00 a.m.

to 3:00 p.m. rain or shine. Highlights include a health fair with local professionals, arts and crafts by local artisans, used books, music, and fun for the children. All the comfort foods you would expect will be on hand: corned beef, blintzes, matzoh ball soup, knishes, cabbage rolls, kugel, baked goods and more. Take-out will also be available. For information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802. The Food Festival Committee is stirring up lots of great food for the 4th annual event – Harriet Rosen (seated), Natalie Tate, co-Chair Stan Liner, Mark Margolis, co-Chair Judy Fishbein

Look to uncover whether Gaucher disease is part of your family Get tested for type 1 Gaucher disease.

Type 1 Gaucher disease is the most common Jewish genetic disease.1 It can appear at any age, and can go undetected in families for generations. If you, or anyone in your family, experience fatigue, bone pain, easy bruising and/or bleeding, or an enlarged abdomen, ask your doctor about a Gaucher disease test. If left untreated, symptoms may become life threatening. Fortunately, type 1 Gaucher disease is treatable. In fact, the earlier you’re diagnosed, the better. So don’t wait. Ask your doctor if a Gaucher test is right for you. To learn more visit www.gauchercare.com.

Reference: 1. Genetic Disease Foundation. Genetic Diseases: Ashkenazi Jewish- Gaucher Disease Type 1. Web site. http://www.geneticdiseasefoundation.org/genetic-diseases/gaucher-disease-type-i/ Accessed May 23, 2011.

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nce again, the Sarasota Jewish Chorale will present its annual Chanukah concert at Temple Emanu-El at the Friday evening Shabbat service on December 16 at 7:00 p.m. This event has been a longstanding favorite of Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Temple Emanu-El members. The Chorale will sing favorite Chanukah songs. Village Walk Chanukah Party will be the locale for the Chorale’s program on Tuesday, December 20 in honor of

the holiday. Featured will be a song by composer David Eddleman, Bidi Bidi Bom, new to the Chorale’s repertoire. This year, the Chorale has added several new members: Tenors Sandra Evans and Abe Zeewy, Soprano Barbara Gerber and Alto Jennifer Michaels. The Chorale welcomes new members regardless of religious affiliation. For more information, please call 941.492.6944 or 941.355.8011, or visit www.sarasota jewishchorale.org.

16A

COMMUNITY FOCUS

December 2011

National Council of Jewish Women, Sarasota-Manatee Section’s 30th Annual Women in Power Luncheon

o-Chairs Nina Japhe and Janet Stollman announce the Women in Power Luncheon to be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Michael’s On East at 11: 30 a.m. The event will honor four women whose accomplishments mirror the organization’s focus on social justice by improving the lives of women, children and families, and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. This is a wonderful way to support the Section and hear motivational stories of how these women have added to the richness of our community. Handcrafted centerpiece vessels by artist Lynnie Siegel will be available for purchase to support community service projects. The cost for the luncheon is $65. All proceeds will support NCJW’s community service projects. For a personal invitation or more information, call 941.342.1855. Here are this year’s honorees: Margaret Callihan, Chairman, President and CEO of SunTrust Bank, Southwest Florida, Champion of Education and Community Volunteer Margaret, the first female regional president at SunTrust, is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Florida and received the Athena Award. She was named as a “Woman of Distinction” as well as being recognized with the “She Knows Where She’s Going Award” from Girls, Inc.

She enjoys being involved in the community and serves on several boards including USF-SarasotaManatee, the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and the local chapter of the International Women’s Forum. As Vice Chair of the Board of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Margaret’s passion for volunteering has helped to make our community a special place. Betsy Kane-Hartnett, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Forty Carrots Family Center, Educator and Advocate for Children As executive director since 1993, Betsy has led Forty Carrots in supporting thousands of families. She considers this more than a job – it’s her passion, her hobby and raison d’etre. Bestowed with many awards, Forty Carrots, a non-profit agency, is dedicated to serving the community by strengthening families through educational programs for parents, children,

and professionals in the field. She has also presented workshops such as What Should I Say: Confronting Taboo Subjects, Delivering Difficult Messages, Sparking Creativity, and Classroom Management & Curriculum Planning at the national, state and local levels. Her essays have appeared in local magazines. Eva T. Slane, Retired Theatrical Agent, Philanthropist and Non-Profit Theater Champion Eva was born in Europe to an opera singer father and actress mother and escaped Vienna, Austria in 1939 to New York. She later became a theatrical agent with the Lucy Kroll Agency where she represented such giants in the industry as Helen Hayes, Martha Graham and James Earl Jones. Eva credits Lucy as her mentor, role model, inspiration, friend, surrogate mother and employer. Her special love is discovering and nurturing young talent. Since her husband’s death in 2002, she has pursued her passion for theater. She is a board member at several area theaters, is active in the MFA Degree Program at the FSU/ASOLO Conservatory, and is a member of many orga-

nizations including Women’s Resource Center and Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Anne Weintraub, Attorney, Advocate and Real Estate Educator At 33, Anne Weintraub is a shareholder and founding member of the Band Weintraub law firm. Anne is also a weekly contributor on WWSB Channel 7 where she answers homeowners’ questions about real estate issues. She has been quoted in Barron’s, National Public Radio, the Associated Press, and many local publications for her sound advice on many real estate issues. She is the author of the 12th Circuit handbook for homeowners in foreclosure and was part of the original team of legal professionals selected to teach mediators across Florida how to implement the Florida Supreme Court’s order on mandatory mediation for homestead homeowners in foreclosure. She is an Overseer on the Stetson University College of Law’s Board of Overseers, Member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota Corporate Board, and a member of the University of South Florida Community Advisory Council.

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Every Year, ORT Empowers 300,000 Students Through Education. • In Argentina, more than 85% of Jewish students attend an ORT school. • ORT’s Kadima Mada (Science Journey) program has revolutionized science and technology education for over 45,000 students in 87 schools across Israel. • At ORT schools in the United States, 75% of the Class of 2010 are employed in their field of study compared to 34% nationally. • More than 27,000 students in the CIS and Baltic States are educated by ORT each year.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS 17A December 2011

December 2011

TBI’s Rabbi Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism 2011-2012

his year’s Rabbi Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism is chock full of exciting learning opportunities. Not only are there a myriad of classes on a wide range of diverse topics, there are also films, trips and cooking sessions. Please contact Temple Beth Israel at 941.383.3428 to receive the full catalogue of offerings. In conjunction with the Miniversity, on Thursday, December 8, prominent clinical therapist Dr. Elinor Greenberg will present a lecture on “Kabbalah and Tarot: How the Secrets of Jewish Mysticism are Hidden in the Cards.” According to Greenberg, when Freud was developing psychoanalysis

in the 1880s, a group of intellectuals in Great Britain that included luminaries such as poet W.B. Yeats began to study a mystical approach to spiritual growth rooted in Jewish mysticism. They embedded their knowledge of Kabbalah in a special Tarot deck that is the most widely one used today in the U.S., though most readers are unaware of its close relationship to Jewish sources. The class will review basic Kabbalistic principles: How Kabbalah relates to Torah study; the Kabalistic meaning of the Shema and how the most sacred name of God (“the Tetragrammaton”) relates to the Kabbalistic theory of God’s relationship to the material world. Par-

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ticipants will gain basic familiarity with the Kabbalistic guidepost, “The Tree of Life,” and discover how the Tarot deck incorporates many of its elements. A prior knowledge of Kabbalah or Tarot is not necessary. Greenberg is a licensed psychologist and an internationally respected Gestalt therapy writer and trainer. For the past 35 years, she has explored a variety of approaches to personal growth and is certified in four traditional types of modern psychotherapy: Gestalt ther-

apy, the psychodynamic treatment of personality disorders, Ericksonian hypnotherapy and group psychotherapy. Her interest in pre-psychoanalytic systems of personal growth led her to study Tarot intensively and Tarot led her to Kabbalah. She has been studying both traditional Hebrew Kabbalah and its offshoot, Qabalistic Tarot, for the past 10 years. She studies with a variety of teachers and has been certified as a Kabbalist by the International Kabbalah Association.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

December 2011 Advertorial

Toby Deutsch Discusses Jewish Life at Kol HaNeshama

Question: Have you always belonged to a synagogue? When my husband, Larry, and I were younger we moved around quite a bit. We joined synagogues based on location, Hebrew School schedules and carpools, and if we liked the rabbi. As we got older, and Judaism became more central to our lives, we went shul shopping many times over, including here in Sarasota. Every shul had its plusses and minuses. Sometimes I just didn’t feel I belonged, but I couldn’t tell you why. When Larry died, the Kol HaNeshama community grieved with me and supported me. It’s just one example of the importance we place on being there for each other no matter what life brings, in specific and real ways. Question: Every synagogue wants to “be there” for its members. What makes Kol HaNeshama special? We strive to create meaningful personal relationships that foster a feeling of family, to substitute for the ones we’ve left “up north.” We are a community more than we are a synagogue. We have no administrative staff and no building. Everyone pitches in and contributes. Some people cook, some shlep; some help with education, holiday celebrations, leading services or Torah study. Some perform social action or the mitzvot of visiting the sick or comforting mourners. Everyone has ideas to share. People don’t wait to be asked; everyone does whatever is needed. I was away for most of the summer. Back in my condo, I still felt unsettled; at Kol HaNeshama Shabbat services, I finally relaxed and realized I was truly back home!

Boxser Diversity Initiative events

aturday evening, October 22 was the opening of the “Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow” exhibit presented by The Herman & Sally Boxser Diversity Initiative of Temple Beth Sholom. The Initiative provides speakers, exhibits and other methods of communication in order to foster tolerance and understanding of all racial and religious groups. The opening festivities were held at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg. The evening was a huge success and was enjoyed by all who attended. This exhibit was wonderfully executed and is definitely worth the drive. The evening’s moderator for the panel discussion was Prof. Donald Cunnigen. The informative speakers includ-

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Temple Beth Sholom co-Presidents Al Goldis and Steve Silva, Rabbi Joel Mishkin, Prof. Donald Cunnigen and Dan Boxser at the opening event

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COMMUNITY FOCUS 19A December 2011

December 2011

Enjoy special Jewish programs at the Longboat Key Education Center By Susan Goldfarb, Executive Director, The Longboat Key Education Center

he Longboat Key Education Center, a not-for-profit educational organization, founded in 1985, offers over 150 adult enrichment courses to the Manatee/Sarasota community. The 2012 season is filled with exciting events and programs celebrating and studying Jewish life, culture, theology and traditions in our local community, in Israel and worldwide. On Mondays in January the school will offer Four Great Hebrew Short Novels with Ralph Wintrob, 9:00 10:30 a.m., January 9-30; and The Volatile Middle East with Thomas O. Hecht., Ph.D., from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., January 16-30. Dr. Arnold Binderman will give a course on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 -10:30 a.m. entitled Jewish Theology – How Our View Of God Influences The Way We Live Our Lives, starting January 10 and concluding on January 31. Local art historian and architect Jean Renoux will teach Jewish Artists in the Late 19th and Early 20th Century highlighting Marc Chagall, referred to as “the quintessential Jewish artist of the twentieth century.” The two-session course will take place on Wednesdays, January 18 and 25 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Richard Bergman, director of community building at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and a popular lecturer at the Longboat Key Education Center, will give a four-week

course on Thursdays called Jews In The News, a fascinating historical and cultural insight into today’s current Jewish newsmakers and news events. The course begins on Thursday, January 5 and runs until January 26 from 1:00 2:30 p.m. Also of the Jewish Federation is Marty Haberer, associate executive director, who will facilitate our very popular Jewish/Israeli Film Festival, on Thursdays from 2:45 - 5:15 p.m. beginning February 2 and running until February 23. This festival has been a perennial favorite for a decade and Marty took it over last season when the previous instructor retired. Marty quickly added his own charm and movie selections that touched the Jewish heart, but were also universal in nature. Marty led provocative, intelligent and lively discussions and the crowd begged for his return in 2012. Speaking of Jewish heart, a special brown bag lunchtime concert called “Heart of a Heritage” will feature lyric soprano Irene Herman, with accompanist Caroline Decker. Irene will sing Yiddish, Israeli and Broadway melodies that reflect the Jewish spirit, evoking a nostalgic look back and a fun look at the present. The concert will take place on Wednesday, February 29 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 for members of the school and $30 for non-members. Lunch is included in the price. Lael Sara Caplan Hazan, of the

Sara-Mana Chapter of ORT America update

n October 23, the SaraMana Chapter of ORT America enjoyed a highly engaging program when two former ORT students shared their experiences and told members how attending an ORT school has influenced their lives. After being liberated, a teenage Al Kalish, a Holocaust survivor, attended the ORT school in Geneva, Switzerland, where he received an education and the opportunity to come to the United States. Al Isaac attended an ORT school in Israel in the 1980s and earned a degree in Electronics. Both speakers attributed ORT’s contributions to their

successful careers. The presentation helped ORT members understand the importance of the funds they raise. Today, ORT America provides innovative education and technical training programs that serve some 300,000 students annually in 55 countries, equipping them with skills that lead to gainful employment, financial independence and personal dignity. The SaraMana Chapter has a women’s and a men’s group. For information on the Women’s group, call Alice Shwom at 941.907.0100. For the Men’s group, contact Norman Marshak at 941.739.0463. To learn more about ORT America, visit www.ORTamerica. org.

noted Italian culinary Hazan family, will offer a course on the history of Jewish-Italian food called Jewish Italy: Deliziosa! on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. beginning January 6 and running through January 20. Limited tastings of imported cheeses and Italian specialties will be enjoyed! On Saturday, January 28, a daytrip which includes a special luncheon and tour of the historical Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg, followed by a private tour of the Florida Holocaust Museum, is filling up quickly. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable and the price for the trip includes lunch, tours and admissions. Members of the Longboat Key Education Center: $80; non-members: $90. In our cooperative spirit with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee of providing Jewish programming for our local community, the Longboat Key Education Center will give a 10% discount to people who register for our Jewish programs if they say they heard about the school through The Jewish News or the Jewish Federation. Call 941.383.8811 for a brochure listing all programs, prices and dates. Visit the school online at www.lbkeducationcenter.org. Don’t forget to say you read about The Longboat Key Education Center in The Jewish News! The school is located at 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive in the Centre Shops of Longboat Key.

19A

Want to make a

Jewish Connection but not sure how? Congregation Ner Tamid is the answer. Nominal membership fee Services in English and Hebrew Interfaith families warmly welcomed Bar/Bat Mitzvah instruction available Bimah participation for all Upcoming Events Dec. 2 – Shabbat Servces (7PM) Dec. 16 –Chanukah Party (6 PM) Jan. 6 – Shabbat Servces (7PM) Jan. 21 – Italian Bingo (Tombola) & Dinner (6 PM)

Call For Information 755-1231 or email: shalom@nertamidflorida.org www.nertamidflorida.org

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Temple Sinai

Keeping the rich flame of Reform Judaism shining brightly

December Happenings We welcome everyone

4th Annual Jewish Food Festival Sunday, 11th 10 to 3

All your favorite comfort foods, Health Vendors, Arts & Crafts, Books. Entertainment & Children’s Activities!

Rhythm and Jews Shabbat Service

Friday, 2nd 6:00 PM ~ Wine & Cheese at 5:15 PM Rabbi Huntting and Chazzan Abramson with The Bruno Trio An inspiring contemporary fusion of sounds! Chanukah Dinner, Friday, 23rd after the 6:00 PM Service Shabbat Service, Fridays, 16th, 30th 6:00 PM ~ Wine & Cheese at 5:15 Shabbat Service, Friday, 9th 7:30 PM followed by Oneg Lifelong Learning Classes continue:

Wednesdays, Torah Talk (9:30 AM) & Brown Bag (noon) with Rabbi Huntting Enhancing Prayerbook Hebrew with Chazzan Abramson Study of Customs and Traditions with Reb Shapiro

Saturday Shabbat Services 10:00 AM

Saturday, 31st, a little nosh follows to end the calendar year. Rabbi Geoffrey Huntting Chazzan Cliff Abramson Laurie Lachowitzer and Elana Margolis, Co-Presidents Sue Huntting, Religious School Director 922-9322 Laura Freedman, Early Childhood Director 926-9462 Andrea Eiffert, Youth Group Director 924-1802

Al Isaac, Judy Krakow, Natalie Abrams, Al Kalish, Jill Simon, Lynn Sacks

4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road located off Proctor between Beneva and Swift Sarasota, FL 34231 941-924-1802 Templesinai-sarasota.org

20A

COMMUNITY FOCUS

December 2011

Le Petit Marche raises $21,000 Jewish humor influences emple Beth Sholom’s Le Pe- Laurel Bermudez, Alyson Hanan, American TV tit Marche (LPM) 2011 was a Christina Reinhoff, Jackie Oberferst,

huge success! We had an amazing turnout with 200 shoppers and 30 community vendors. Our gross income raised was $21,000 with a total of $17,000 spent at the actual event. This could not have been achieved without our families’ generous attendance and support! Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Jill Friedman and Courtney Rosenthal, LPM co-Chairs who gave tirelessly of their time, expertise and can-do attitude. They could not have done their jobs without the support of the fabulous LPM Committee: Monica Barth,

Noel Trapani and Shana Zamikoff. Thank you as well to the following parents who volunteered the day of the event: Amber Burgess, Kristina Engelsberg, Lauren Fineman, Isa Lambert and Jenna Oser. Special thanks to everyone who came out early to help set up and stayed to break down the event. This truly was a collaborative event that could not have been achieved without everyone’s time and effort toward the common goal of a successful Le Petit Marche fundraiser benefitting Temple Beth Sholom Schools.

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at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Monday, January 9 • 8 p.m.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman, conductor and violinist

Monday, January 30 • 8 p.m.

Thomas Hampson, baritone 2010 winner of the Library of Congress Living Legend Award

Thursday, February 16 • 8 p.m.

Kirill Gerstein, piano 2010 winner of the prestigious Gilmore Award

Wednesday, March 7 • 8 p.m.

Minnesota Symphony Orchestra with Osmo Vanska, conductor and Midori, solo violinist

Sunday, March 18 • 4 p.m.

Northwest German Philharmonic with Eugene Tzigane, conductor and Amit Peled, cellist

By Judith Zangwill

ewish humor significantly affected the development of American humor, explained Baila Miller in a recent cultural program she presented at Jewish Center of Venice. Jewish immigrants fled persecution from Russian Czars to find opportunity in early 20th century New York. With their tradition of Torah study, the Jewish immigrants were highly literate. They also brought a history of self-deprecating humor, making fun of themselves in jokes, anecdotes and folk stories, so as not to offend their oppressors. These early immigrants raised their children with the American dream. Restricted from many professional jobs, second-generation American Jews found a lucrative field in the entertainment business. The Shubert and Hammerstein families opened “low-brow” theaters for vaudeville and burlesque, as well as comedy acts. As radio became popular, Jews,

Baila Miller

with their verbal humor, became successful as writers and actors. TV was a natural new opportunity for the radio stars, including George Burns, Groucho Marx, “Molly” Goldberg, Milton Berle. Other comedians, such as Red Skelton, with more of a body language, pratfall humor style, were influenced. The Jewish style of humor, full of “yiddishkeit” – pronunciations, gesticulations, attitudes and the “schlemiel” as hero – has, says Miller, “become the mainstay” of American TV comedy.

“Fascinating Chanukah” adult ed series at Temple Emanu-El By Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman

“

ascinating Chanukah” is the intriguing title of Rabbi Brenner J. Glickman’s latest – and extremely timely! – adult education series at Temple Emanu-El. “Fascinating Chanukah” will be held Tuesdays, December 6 and 13, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. All are warmly invited. The first session of the class is entitled “History, Myths and Misgivings.” Through text study and engaging presentations, students will explore historical records of the Maccabees’ battles and their relationship to the traditional Chanukah story and our Chanukah celebrations. The next session, entitled “Explosive Transformation in the Last Century,” will examine Chanukah’s rise in importance and the significance of

Chanukah observance in the 20th and 21st centuries. “There is no holiday more fascinating than Chanukah,” Rabbi Glickman remarks. “The story of the Maccabees that we tell each year shares little in common with what we know from contemporary accounts. Politics and intrigue have shaped the holiday from its earliest days until today. No other Jewish holiday has seen such controversy and transformation over the centuries. “Come explore the mystery behind the miracle,” he added. “Fascinating Chanukah” is free to Temple Emanu-El members, and an $18 donation is requested for guests. For more information or to register, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

Jewish Museum of Florida T hru March 18, 2012

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Rabbi Irving

Lehrman HIS LIFE & ART

Since the 10th century, Jews lived in Poland. As their numbers increased, they lived in shtetls & built wooden synagogues that represent Jewish folk art. During World War II, the Nazis destroyed these early wooden synagogues. Englishman Peter Maurice studied these and made 10 models that he donated to the Jewish Museum of Florida. Exhibit includes stories of Floridian Jews who came from Poland.

Rabbi Irving Lehrman served as the spiritual leader of Temple Emanu-El on Miami Beach for 50 years. He had a huge impact on the community.

This exhibit highlights the material evidence of his life and his artistic talent, displaying portraits he created that capture the likenesses of world personalities. Primary sponsor: Temple Emanu-El

Also enjoy our core exhibit MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, Museum Store, & Bessie’s Bistro

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JEWISH INTEREST 21A December 2011

December 2011

21A

Remaking the image of Adolph Eichmann’s Jerusalem trial By Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News The Eichmann Trial, by Deborah E. Lipstadt. Nextbook/Schocken. 272 pages. $24.95.

as the trial of Adolph Eichmann an attempt to bring a notorious Nazi leader to justice, or was its purpose to present to the watching world a broad understanding of the Holocaust, its genesis, and its consequences? As Deborah E. Lipstadt rolls out her remarkable story of this watershed event, she makes it clear that while the trial’s judges preferred to stick narrowly to the issue of the Phil Jason specific charges against Eichmann, the lead prosecutor, Gideon Hausner, took every opportunity to paint the larger picture. In the end, not only was a monstrous criminal brought to justice, but media coverage of the lead-up, conduct and aftermath of the trail educated the worldwide public about the Holocaust with a degree of detail and with an impact that had never before been accomplished. The wider lens of prosecution testimony allowed not only survivor evidence against Eichmann, but also, perhaps more importantly, an evidentiary theme that countered the anti-Semitic view that Jews were somehow culpable

because they offered little resistance. This perspective is utterly demolished. Also, while it’s true that Jewish prisoners were sometimes part of the machinery that put other Jews to death, the trial made it clear that there was little, if anything, that they could have done. In her compact and lucid book’s well-carved chapters, Professor Lipstadt takes on several other significant issues that expand our understanding of the trial’s importance. One key issue was the right of the Israeli government to mount a legal procedure about events that occurred before the founding of modern Israel in 1948. The author clearly and concisely explains the bases on which Israeli representatives argued that its court had appropriate jurisdiction for this trial. In addition, the prosecution prevailed against challenges based on the way in which Israeli agents captured Eichmann in Argentina. The prosecutors were even able to counter effectively the powerful charge that there was no way that Eichmann could get a fair trial in Israel. Professor Lipstadt carefully summarizes the arguments that eventually prevailed. The author’s examination of Eichmann’s own testimony reveals a de-

fense that rested on an untenable “just following orders” strategy. Consistently casting himself as a mere functionary and not a decision-maker, Eichmann undermined this explanation by also trying to cast himself as someone who made decisions that actually benefitted the Jews. This inconsistency was readily apparent. In writing The Eichmann Trial, Lipstadt had no choice but to assess the achievement, reputation and influence of Hannah Arendt’s 1963 volume Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil. Many of the pre-publication reviews of Lipstadt’s book praise her for rescuing the public image of Eichmann and of the trial from Arendt’s distorted vision. While this is no doubt part of Lipstadt’s achievement, I find her discussion of Arendt’s book to be even-handed in that Lipstadt goes out of her way to credit Arendt with many important insights. Moreover, by culturally and biographically contextualizing Eichmann in Jerusalem, Lipstadt helps

us understand what gave rise to the less attractive aspects of Arendt’s purported on-the-scene reportage. The Eichmann Trial also presents abundant source notes and a helpful chronology. The 1961 Eichmann trial, as Deborah E. Lipstadt recreates it, is more than anything else a landmark step in Israel’s development as a nation. This was Israeli’s bar mitzvah year. Only thirteen years of age, the State of Israel showed itself to be a capable and credible governmental entity, with top notch security and judicial institutions. The troublesome question remains of whether Israel can or should assert itself as the national voice of Jews everywhere. Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for the Naples edition of Florida Weekly and for Fort Myers Magazine. Visit Phil’s website at www.philjason.wordpress. com.

Deborah E. Lipstadt will be the featured author on opening night of The Jewish Book Festival on February 26, 2012.

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Come out to support ORT America and its Celebrity Bartenders: Rabbi Brenner Glickman of Temple Emanu-El Rabbi Jonathan Katz of Temple Beth Israel Hazzan Jeffrey Weber of Temple Beth Sholom Hazzan Cliff Abramson of Temple Sinai Former Sarasota Mayor Lou Ann R. Palmer Manatee County Commissioner Robin DiSabatino

Amy Weinberger of The Thinking Center Liz Alpert of Tannenbaum, Scro, Hanewich & Alpert Attorney Maury Azerad Dr. Adam Agran of Non-Surgical Solutions of Venice Carol Clark of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Sara Hand, Co-founder of BarCamp Sarasota Josh Stone, meterologist for SNN Local News 6

Here is how it works: There’s no cover fee. IT’s FREE. All guests pay for their own drinks and food in the lounge area, and all tips that evening go to support ORT America. Currently, ORT helps educate 300,000 individuals in 55 countries annually and has participated in providing humanitarian efforts since 1960.

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Save the Date!

So come to party and support a worthy charity. Help save lives through education by tipping as generously as you can – perhaps “CHAI” for LIFE or $18 per person. For more information and to RSVP, call Andrew Polin at 541-501-2090 or email him at apolin@ortamerica.org.

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22A

JEWISH INTEREST

December 2011

Confidentially Yours: Avi and Adele dish on when to cook dinner for her

ear Avi and Adele, I’ve been dating a girl for about a month now, and we really seem to hit it off. I want to show her I like her and want to cook her dinner, but I don’t want to scare her away. When is it too soon to start doing things that show I care about her? – Loves to Cook Dear Loves to Cook, An at-home date is assuredly a “next step” in a budding relationship.

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a walk after dinner, the entire focus of the evening is on just being together at home. This can provide a nice backdrop for saying the lovey words you’re longing to say, and the gesture of making dinner and setting the scene really will reinforce that message. A Shabbat dinner is a nice way to introduce this athome date and you can start your own traditions as a couple. The “nothing sounds good to do, so let’s stay in” at-home date: This type of date is much more casual; you can wear your jeans and snuggle up around a pizza and a movie. The beauty of this at-home date is its level of com-

mitment: you’re not pressured to prepare dinner or make everything special. This is a nice foray into the at-home dating scene and can lead nicely to a future at-home date that’s fancier. Neither option will be a turn-off to her, so we suggest broaching the subject any time you’re ready! Sounds like she’s a lucky lady! Livin’ and Lovin’, Avi and Adele To submit questions to Avi and Adele, send an email to aa@letmypeoplegrow. org. For additional Jewish content, go to www.letmypeoplegrow.org.

In search of personal identity By Don Pomerantz

Paradise Now (2005) 90 minutes, PG-13 Arabic with English subtitles Available at Netflix and Amazon.com

hy would anyone want to be a suicide bomber? This is the complex question which underlies Abu-Assad’s award-winning Palestinian thriller, Paradise Now. The tension mounts as the film oscillates between the portrayal of a suppressed people seeking personal and political freedom and the actions of two young men in search of personal identity. Best friends Said (Kais Nashif) and Khaled (Ali Suliman), who have just been fired from their jobs in a garage, learn that they have been “chosen” by their West Bank leaders to sneak across the border and, with explosives strapped to their bodies, blow up a crowded bus in Tel Aviv. The young men, who are totally unaware of the details of this “carefully planned” plot, are mesmerized as the leaders assure them that, “This honor is only granted to a few. After you are

Film Review

ascended to heaven, we will take care of everything here.” Ritually bathed, hair cut, faces shaved, and dressed in white shirts and ties, Said and Khaled are ready for their glory and their funeral. But as they implement the suicide plan, they discover how the unforeseen governs situations and demands a reappraisal of one’s beliefs. Although Abu-Assad presents the plight of the Palestinians with vivid images of rubbled streets, homes with meager amenities, and prison fences, the film’s validity derives from the humanity of Said and Khaled as they find themselves in a life-altering situation. Their shifting attitudes and constant bond of friendship make watching the film a moving experience as opposed to a political screed. Don Pomerantz is Professor Emeritus and Chairman of the Department of Modern Languages and Humanities at Central Connecticut State University. He teaches at Hodges University and directs the winter Renaissance Academy film series. He is also president of Naples Jewish Congregation.

COMMENTARY 23A December 2011

December 2011

23A

A conversation about God, or “If God did not exist, He would have to be invented” From the Bimah Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz, Temple Beth Israel

n learning that I am a rabbi, many Jews I meet these days have no compunction in making clear that they are secular Jews and don’t believe in God. It comes across as a sort of preemptive action, conveying that I, as a big believer, should not even attempt to try to convince them otherwise. A certain pride appears to be taken with the assurance of their view. Even though they have no idea what I may or may not believe about God, their tone seems to suggest that liberation from God has provided them with a higher degree of religious sophistication. But I want to let you in on a little secret. What they say doesn’t really matter to me. I don’t particularly care if my fellow Jews are quick, eager in fact, to pipe up that they don’t believe in God. Public proclamations of faith, in my view at least, have never been the sine qua non regarding Jewish spiritual authenticity. In fact, the Hebrew language itself bears this out. The word in Hebrew that employs to convey the idea of belief, emunah, possesses a linguistic root associated with active endeavor. The word for training, emuun, and craftsmanship, ohmanut, derive from the same root.

In other words, what we do, how we actually contour our life, and how we actually live it, reflects our beliefs much more tellingly than what we say we do or do not believe in. Or, as Gloria Steinem once remarked, “If you look at my check stubs, you’ll see what I stand for.” This same theme is reflected in the wisdom of our sages. In a Midrash, they have God stating: “Would that they not believe in Me but follow My commandments.” Therefore, though Jews may say they don’t believe in God, many are still, in my mind, very good Jews. Still, I find leaving God out of our Jewish consciousness regrettable because it forecloses doors to potential insight and meaning. I’m not referring to the God who performs all the miracles, who actually wrote the Torah and is omniscient and omnipotent (after the Holocaust how can we believe this?). No, I’m talking about the God who is still very much a mystery, so ultimately unknowable that we aren’t even supposed to pronounce his most personal name since that would suggest we can fully conceive of Him. When we see the Tetragrammaton, the yud, heh, vuv, heh, we substitute another word for God instead like Adonai or Tsur. This is the God, the Maker, the Force that called the universe into being, whose image we are made in, and who we have sought to reveal through our creativity and morality. This God is garbed in the clothing of many religions. We may not cotton to some of this clothing. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a God; we just don’t like how He is being fashioned. In terms of Judaism, we may not like some of the liturgical statements that are associated with Him

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or certain events and customs that have been ascribed to Him. Okay, fine. But please remember this. The God you say you don’t believe in, regardless of how you think He has been portrayed in the prayerbook, Torah and ritual, is still a God with a great deal of integrity and intellectual honesty. Just because God has seemingly been couched in a certain way doesn’t mean you have to couch Him that way. If nothing else, Reform and Conservative Judaism, in varying degrees, asserted the right and need to frame God in a more accessible manner. It was the same God, just from a more relevant perspective and placed in a different set of clothes.

From my vantage point we would do well, a hundred and fifty years later, to seek to recouch God again. The God I worship is still rather refreshing. He is comfortable with lots of questions about everything under the sun. He demands the very best within me. He enjoys being vigorously pursued and experienced in a myriad of ways. He won’t be pigeonholed to fit other people’s faith notions of what or who He definitively is. Voltaire famously quipped, “If God did not exist, He would have to be invented.” I contend that the imaginative ways Jews are permitted to understand, interpret and manifest God, already point to His existence. Some of us just don’t recognize it.

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Casino Night Saturday January 14, 2012 6-10 PM, Temple Emanu-El 141 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL Come for a fun & exciting night of food, drink, music, prizes, Chinese auction, and gambling. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Free onsite babysitting by reservation. Contact Steven Meyers 720-4204 for information

24A

COMMENTARY

December 2011

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Too steep a price for Shalit’s release By Jeff Jacoby, Tuesday, October 18, 2011

any Israelis, and many friends of Israel in the West, think there is something to be admired in the lopsided deal that will free more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners – including hundreds of terrorists serving life sentences for murder – in exchange for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier abducted by Hamas in 2006 and held virtually incommunicado ever since. According to an opinion poll published Monday, 79 percent of the Israeli public approves of the swap, with only 14 percent opposed. When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the agreement last week, he described it as evidence that “the nation of Israel is a unique people; we are all mutually responsible for each other.” In an editorial, The Wall Street Journal echoed a popular opinion when it explained Israel’s willingness to pay such a steep price for Shalit’s freedom as “a testament to its national and religious values, which stress the obligation to redeem captives.” Israel is famous for its ironclad commitment never to abandon its captured or fallen soldiers. In a country where nearly every family has loved ones in uniform, the anguish of the Shalits –

whose son was just 19 when Hamas gunmen crossed the border from Gaza and grabbed him – was a nightmare with which all Israelis could empathize. Across Israel’s often volatile political spectrum, the longing for Shalit’s return was universal and heartfelt. But this is not the way to bring him home. According to the deal Netanyahu has accepted, Hamas is to release Shalit today; simultaneously Israel will release a first wave of 477 Palestinian prisoners. A second, even larger group, will be freed in two months. Just who are these prisoners? They include the perpetrators of some of the most ghastly terrorist attacks of recent years: Brutal killers like Abd al-Aziz Salehi, who gleefully displayed his blood-soaked hands to a cheering Ramallah crowd in 2000 after lynching two Israelis and mutilating their bodies. Like Ibrahim Yunis, mastermind of a 2003 cafe bombing that left seven innocents dead, including an American-born doctor and his 20-year-old daughter on the eve of her wedding. Like Ahlam Tamimi, a Palestinian television personality who boasts of her role in organizing the 2001 bombing of the Sbarro’s

What do you think? The Jewish News wants to know! Send an email to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org. Letters Policy Letters must include the author’s name, full address and daytime phone. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee or its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received.

pizzeria in downtown Jerusalem, in which 15 people were killed, seven of them children. To read the descriptions of the prisoners being released is to be reminded in gruesome detail of the unremitting savagery of Israel’s worst enemies, and of the horrors they are prepared to commit in their bid to destroy the Jewish state. It is also to be reminded that Israel has done this before – and that the results have invariably been disastrous. Time and again Israel has agreed to free hundreds of violent terrorists in order to bring home one or two or three captured Israeli soldiers. And time and again it has done so knowing that many of those set free will go right back to trying to kill Jews. One of the Palestinians being released today, for example, is Musab Hashlemon, who was given 17 life sentences for a Beersheba massacre he planned in 2004. That massacre occurred just months after an earlier prisoner exchange in which 435 Palestinians went free – Hashlemon among them. The Jerusalem Post, citing the Almagor Terror Victims Association, noted last week that 183 Israelis have died since 2004 in attacks carried out by terrorists who were previously released. How many more Israelis will now die because the political pressure to bring Shalit home – at any price – was more than the Israeli government could resist? There was a time when Netanyahu would have been the first to denounce the mass release of dangerous prisoners. In 2008, he blasted the release, under then-prime minister Ehud Olmert, of some 200 security prisoners as a goodwill gesture toward the Palestin-

continued on next page

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COMMENTARY 25A December 2011

December 2011

25A

Jeff Jacoby...continued from page 24A ian Authority. “This crossing of a line, this release of murderers, is a dangerous move in the war on terror,” Netanyahu thundered in the Knesset. “This weakens Israel and strengthens the terror elements.”

For Gilad Shalit and his loved ones, a terrible personal ordeal is finally coming to an end. But their relief is being purchased at an unconscionable cost. To bring Shalit home, the Jewish state has effectively condemned tens – or scores,

or even hundreds – of other victims to death. This is capitulation to terror. Israel’s friends should be appalled. Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe. His website is www. JeffJacoby.com. On Sunday, December

11 at 7:00 p.m., he will be speaking on “A Two-State Solution and Other Myths of the Middle East,” in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on the Federation Campus. See the ad on page 2A for more information.

Letter to the Editor “What do you think?” The Jewish News asks at the foot of this inflammatory proposal by Jerry Sobel. Strike a mighty pre-emptive blow at Hamas, he says, understandably frustrated that Hamas has not professed an acceptance of Israel’s existence. That’s what Israel did a couple of years ago, in Operation Cast Lead or whatever it was called. Cast Lead was a very forceful blow in response to persistent rocket launches into Israel, so forceful that the UN felt it necessary to investigate whether Israel’s actions were measured and proportional to the provocation. (Some said yes, some said no.) Cast Lead was a success in the political sense: Palestinians in Gaza complained to Hamas about being victimized by irredentist al Aqsa rocketeers, and Hamas clamped down on them. And Hezbollah, the real addressee of Israel’s message, understood that if it tried similar stunts, the retribution would be swift and brutal. The Middle East, and the larger world, may have blanched at the brutality of Cast Lead, but understood the

provocation and the message. Sobel’s proposal is another matter: “I don’t like your (hostile) attitude, so I’ll smash you until you love me or those who are left acquiesce.” We’re all rightly offended when anti-Israel voices call Israel Nazi storm troopers; but Sobel’s proposal raises uncomfortable reminders. It is also reckless. Were it to happen, God forbid, Hezbollah would join at once, helped directly or indirectly by Iran. The new Arab Spring supporters in Egypt and Jordan and elsewhere would be likely to rise in fury against Israel. So would Turkey, as we saw earlier with the sea blockade. America would lose an important opportunity to create decent relationships with the new Tunisia, Egypt and other Muslim countries. In the worst case, we could see an interruption in tanker traffic in the Persian Gulf. The rest of the world would be horrified. World War III might be inevitable, but Jerry Sobel needs to be careful in provoking it just because he feels itchy. There must be better ways. —Bob Garvin, Sarasota

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December 2011

We invite you to spend an evening with

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Wednesday, Feb., 15, 2012 7:00 pm • Federation Campus

General admission $18 • VIP Seating $36 Presented by The Robert and Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Israel: A true ally in the Middle East

By Robert D. Blackwill and Walter B. Slocombe (Los Angeles Times) Israeli contributions to U.S. national interests cover a broad spectrum. Through joint training, exercises and exchanges on military doctrine, the U.S. has benefited in the areas of counter-terrorism, intelligence and experience in urban warfare. Increasingly, U.S. homeland security and military agencies are turning to Israeli technology to solve some of their most vexing technical and strategic problems. This support includes advice and expertise on behavioral screening techniques for airport security and acquisition of an Israeli-produced tactical radar system to enhance force protection. Israel has been a world leader in the development of unmanned aerial systems, both for intelligence collection and combat, and it has shared with the U.S.

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military the technology, the doctrine and its experience regarding these systems. Israel is also a global pacesetter in armored vehicle protection, defense against short-range rockets, and the techniques and procedures of robotics, all of which it has shared with the U.S. Israeli-developed defense equipment, some of which benefited from generous U.S. aid, is now used by the U.S. military including short-range unmanned aircraft systems that have seen service in Iraq and Afghanistan; a revolutionary helmet-mounted sight that is standard in nearly all frontline Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft; lifesaving armor installed in thousands of MRAP armored vehicles used in Iraq and Afghanistan; and a gun system for close-in defense of naval vessels against terrorist dinghies and small-boat swarms. Moreover, U.S. and Israeli companies are working together to produce Israel’s Iron Dome – the world’s first combat-proven counter-rocket system. Counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation is deep and extensive, with the United States and Israel working to advance their common interest in defeating the terrorism of Hamas, Hizbullah and al-Qaeda and its affiliate groups, and preventing nuclear proliferation in the region. There are joint Special Forces training and exercises and collaboration on shared targets. In sum, we believe that Israel’s substantial contributions to U.S. interests are an underappreciated aspect of this relationship and deserve equal billing to shared values and historical responsibility as rationales for American support of Israel. Robert D. Blackwill, deputy national security advisor for strategic planning in the George W. Bush administration, and Walter B. Slocombe, undersecretary of defense for policy in the Clinton administration, are authors of the new report Israel: A Strategic Asset for the United States (Washington Institute for Near East Policy). To download a 28-page copy of the report, visit http://washingtoninstitute. org/templateC04.php?CID=356

ISRAEL SEES RISE IN SECURITY EXPORTS Israel’s security exports have risen since 9/11 from $2 billion a year to $7 billion. “The United States woke up to a new reality and today one can see Israeli security companies working worldwide... because we have already been there and we have the knowledge,” said Itamar Graff, deputy director of SIBAT, the Israel Defense Ministry’s export and cooperation branch. “When the world became aware of the matter of fighting terrorism, we already had decades of experience on the matter, with many existing technologies,” Graff said. “On issues such as home-front protection, shore security and missile defense, people from around the world come to learn from us.” (UPI)

LIFE 27A CYCLE

December 2011

ANNIVERSARIES th

65 Albert & Libbie Kaplan Temple Beth Sholom 60th Marvin & Sonia Cohen Temple Emanu-El 55th Joe & Lee Floersheimer Temple Beth Sholom 55th Mickie & Jerry Kaye Temple Sinai 55th Allan & Roberta Lichtenstein Temple Beth Sholom 50th Martin & Dana Kline Temple Beth Sholom 50th Leona & Murray Levin Temple Sinai 50th Michael & Sandra Pass Temple Beth Sholom

45th Judith & Irwin Parmet Temple Sinai 35th Randy & Lori Benderson Temple Emanu-El 35th Ben & Hazzan Diane Nathanson Temple Beth Sholom 20th Diane & Victor Block Temple Sinai 20th Dennis & Jennifer Brock Temple Beth Sholom 20th Constance & Jonathan Levin Temple Sinai 15th David & Madonna Stein Temple Beth Sholom 10th Dr. Kenneth & Dr. Stacy Zide Temple Sinai

BIRTHS Phinley Shaye, daughter of Ashley and Stacey Bloom, sister of Riley Baye, born October 1

B’NAI MITZVAH Amanda Green, daughter of Josh & Julie Green, December 3, Temple Beth Sholom Robert Meyers, son of Steven Meyers and of Janet Meyers, of loving memory, December 10, Temple Emanu-El Elijah Schildkraut, son of Melissa and Adam Schildkraut, and brother of Madeline and Jonah, December 17, Chabad of Sarasota

December 2011

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Merik Schechter, son of Julie Schechter, the first Congregation Kol HaNeshama (KH) Bar Mitzvah, made his own tallit and was helped to tie the tzitzit by Rabbi Goldie Milgram. Every Bar Mitzvah at KH is individualized and meaningful to the celebrant.

IN MEMORIAM

Sophie Applebaum, 89, of Plymouth Meeting, MA, formerly of Sarasota, Oct. 9 Robert H. “Bob” Auerbach, 91, of Sarasota, formerly of Scarsdale, NY, Oct. 6 Allen Barkey, of Longboat Key, formerly of New Rochelle, NY, Sept. 24 Alexander “Alex” Bass, 94, of Sarasota, formerly of Bedford, NY, Sept. 22 David B. Blum, 79, of University Park, formerly of Westchester County, NY, Oct. 21 Shirley Dinkin, 93, of Sarasota, formerly of Mansfield, OH, Oct. 12 Evelyn Kravitz Driscoll, 91, of Sarasota, formerly of Dayton and Cleveland, OH, Sept. 25 Helen Pollack Fink, 98, of Bethesda, MD, formerly of Sarasota, Oct. 14 Joshua I. Frey, 22, of Sarasota, Sept. 28 Glasspiegel, Gerald Joseph “Jerry”, 92, of Longboat Key, formerly of Milwaukee, WI, May 12 Glasspiegel, Harriet Dorothy (Nee Hanover), 93 of Longboat Key, formerly of Milwaukee, WI, Oct 13 Richard Theodore Kanter, 88, of Sarasota, formerly of Rochester, NY, Oct. 25 Lee Grossman, 80 of Sarasota and Evanston, IL, Oct 18 Betty Jacoby, 95, of Sarasota, Sept. 29 Gunther Less, 90, of Sarasota, Oct. 11 Harold H. May, 82, of Sarasota and Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Oct. 15 Rhoda H. Rosen, 85, of Sarasota, Oct. 20 Elayne Polly Bernstein Schwartz, 86, of Sarasota and Lenox, MA, Oct. 4 Hermine Silver, nee Lipman, 79, of Longboat Key, formerly of Franklin, MI, Oct. 7 Ralph A. Slater, 94, of Sarasota, formerly of White Plains, NY, Oct. 22 Beatrice “Bea” Tannenbaum, 87, of Sarasota, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, Oct. 2 Ada Unger, 88, of Sarasota, formerly of Douglaston, NY, Oct. 7 Adele Willner, 92, of Sarasota, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, Oct. 20 Elton Yasuna, 96, of Sarasota and Harwich Port, MA, Oct. 18 Charles Zaroff, 75, of Sarasota, Oct. 25

Please submit your life cycle events (births, B’nai Mitzvah, anniversaries) to jewishnews@comcast.net. Photos welcome; please e-mail as JPGs at 300dpi.

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Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watching and learning. How you walk to temple together, rain or shine. The way you speak gently to Aunt Ruth. And your gift for making the holidays feel miraculous. Best wishes for a happy Chanuka. Life is a Miracle.

CelebratingHAPPENINGS Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties JEWISH

In this section: 1-8: Jewish Happenings 8-11: Chanukah 12-15: Recent Events

DECEMBER 2011

Volume 41, Number 12

To submit your events, send an e-mail to jewishnews@comcast.net.

Jewish Happenings THURSDAY, DecEMBER 1

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

N’shei Chabad Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society

Shabbat Shalom Children’s Program

Join N’shei Chabad Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society for a monthly Torah class entitled “Portrait of a Woman.” Guided through Jewish and Kabbalistic text, the course will examine issues such as beauty, love, relationships, career, family and spirituality. This month’s class, led by Sara Steinmetz, will unravel the feminine DNA. It begins at 11:00 a.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. The Rosh Chodesh Society is partially underwritten by Chabad of Sarasota’s First Lady, Anne Stein. Cost for the 7-session course is $99 or $18 per class, which includes lunch and the opportunity to bake your own challah. Advance reservations are necessary at 941.925.0770.

Enjoy a pizza lunch with family and friends while participating in interactive storytelling, cooking and art projects. Take home informational handouts, recipes and ideas to celebrate Jewish holidays and lifecycle events at home. Open to families with children five years old and younger. There is no cost for this program, which runs from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom Schools’ Justin Lee Wiesner Preschool building, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. For further information, please contact Flora Oynick at 941. 954.2027 or foynick@tbsschools.org.

Temple Emanu-El’s lively Conversational Hebrew class continues every Thursday through December from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. at the temple, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Temple member Abe Zeewy graciously volunteers his time to teach this beginners’ course, teaching students how to greet one another, ask and answer questions in Hebrew, and even say, “How much is it from the airport to central Tel Aviv?” Come be a part of a welcoming, friendly community and make new friends while learning the basics of our holy tongue. Advance registration required. Cost: $20 for materials. For more information or to register, please contact Abe Zeewy at 941.349.5371 or azeewy@comcast.net.

Monthly Challah Club & Loaves of Love Learn the art of baking and shaping challah with a twist of social action. Bake two challahs – one for your enjoyment and the other for local senior citizens. Each month we learn a new braiding technique. Learn from the expert the tricks of this delicious timeless tradition. Then, gift wrap a challah as a special gift for the residents of a local nursing home, senior citizens around town, or someone you know. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Suggested donation: $15. For more information, please call 941.493.2770.

Women’s Reception Thursday, January 19, 2012 6:00 pm at the Federation campus

Come for a Jewish conversation with our scholar-in-residence, Amy Hirshberg Lederman

Free to the Community! rSVP: www.jfedsrq.org The Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

TGIS is a new initiative which Chabad of Sarasota has launched for teens in grades nine through twelve. During six special Shabbat dinners, the teens will convene at the home of Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, where hot button current event issues will be discussed, deliberated and debated. Rabbi Steinmetz will include the Torah perspective along with Jewish views and values. All teens are welcome to join us for a wonderful Shabbat experience and dinner following the 7:00 p.m. service. For more information and reservations, call the Chabad office at 941.925.0770.

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December 2011 SATURDAY, DeCEMBER 3

JEWISH HAPPENINGS SUNDAY, DecEMBER 4

Jewish Theology

Sinai Men’s Club Pancake Breakfast

Arnie Binderman, doctoral candidate at Spertus College of Jewish studies, chair of congregational Adult Education, leads a spirited interactive discussion about God concepts in Jewish religion, ranging from the Biblical to the modern. Every idea and opinion is considered and discussed. Ask the questions you never felt you could. State the beliefs you may have felt would be rejected. The range of ideas and beliefs in Judaism is enormous. Chances are you are not alone, whatever you believe about God. The discussions take place on Saturdays, December 3 and 17 from 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. at Congregation Kol HaNeshama, South Gate Community Center, 3145 South Gate Circle, Sarasota. No charge – learning and discussing are part of a full Shabbat experience! Contact Arnie Binderman at iliterate@ aol.com if you have questions. Just come if you are interested.

The Men’s Club of Temple Sinai, located at 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge off Proctor between Beneva and Swift Roads, invites you to a Pancake Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. The program is The High School by Sholom Aleichem, presented by the Asolo Guild Players. Proceeds to go to the Asolo Guild programs for students. Cost: $10. For reservations, please call Harvey Sussman at 941.309.3444.

Herb Silverman at CHJ Herb Silverman (pictured) ran for governor of South Carolina in 1990 to challenge its unconstitutional provision which barred atheists from holding public office. He is the CEO and President of the Secular Coalition of America, and a member of the Advisory Council of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. “Does American Religion Undermine American Values?” was the topic he debated in Oxford, England. Herb will speak at 10:30 a.m. at the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (CHJ), Unity Hall, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota. The public is welcome. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or visit www.chj-sarasota.org.

SaBra Hadassah

Liked the first 100 years? You ain’t seen nothing yet! Celebrate our Centennial with us Food, Music, Dancing and More! Sunday, March 18, 2012 ~ 4-7 PM Fete Ballroom ~ Polo Grill & Bar ~ Lakewood Ranch For more information, contact Claudia at cdombrow613@aol.com or 941-306-5514

Jewish Icons, Bagels and Bios Everyone is welcome to join Temple Beth Sholom’s Sunday Morning Symposium on Jewish Icons, Bagels and Bios. Enjoy coffee and bagels at 9:45 a.m., when Dr. Godofredo Herzog will discuss Joseph Trumpeldor, an early twentieth century Zionist luminary who organized the Zion Mule Brigade and brought Russian chalutzim to early Israel. The event takes place at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. No cost, but donations to defray food costs will be accepted. Please contact the temple at 941.955.8121 for information or to sponsor the lecture.

Pre-Chanukah Sunday Brunch Join Congregation Ner Tamid from 10:00 a.m. - noon for a brunch for the whole family. The event is a warm welcome to current and prospective members. Be our guest for a wonderful Jewish breakfast featuring lox, bagels and all the fixings. No charge but donations gratefully accepted. The event takes place at The Lodge, 4802 B 26th St. W., Bradenton. Reservations a must at 941.755.1231.

Brandeis hosts luncheon and theatre afternoon Join the Brandeis National Committee (BNC) for our next exciting event at the Asolo Theatre’s production of My Fair Lady, a pre-performance discussion at 11:00 a.m., followed by a delicious lunch at Treviso Restaurant in the Ringling Museum Visitor’s Pavilion. We’ll adjourn to the Asolo Theatre at 2:00 p.m. for the presentation of the much-loved musical. Cost: $65 for BNC members; $80 for nonmembers. For those who already have tickets to the show, you may still join us for the other two events by paying for lunch only ($20 for members and $35 for nonmembers). The Asolo Repertory Theater is located at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For reservations and questions, contact Janet Tolbert at 941.388.9624 or jrt3501@yahoo.com, or Ann Friedman at 941.349.6713.

Chanukah Happenings Bazaar Come to the annual bazaar, hosted by Beth Israel Women, and load up on your holiday gifts. The bazaar includes plenty of Chanukah items, plus See’s Candy, The Orchid Lady, and free coffee and cake. New this year – a “Precious Things Boutique.” The bazaar takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. For more information, contact the temple office at 941.383.3428.

Falafel with Yoav Come and enjoy a terrific kosher falafel lunch prepared by Yoav Cohen from noon - 1:00 p.m. at Chabad Jewish Center, 11534 Palmbrush Trail, Bradenton. Cost is $4 a falafel. Call 941.752.3030 for more information.

Yiddish Culture Series

Israeli Dance Performance by

Ramat Gan Dance Theater Presented by The Robert and Esther Heller

Israel Advocacy Initiative

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 7:00 pm on the Federation Campus 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota

Get tickets: www.jfedsrq.org

$5 in advance

$10 at the door Kids are free!

Kvell and kibitz! Get together for Yiddish listening, conversation, singing and shmoozing. If you know ten words or a thousand, you will enjoy this cheerful and entertaining series conducted in Yiddish and English. Multimedia presentations will enhance discussions on topics such as Jewish history, family, health and the Pleasure of Kvetching. Groups will be led by Pauline White, Chaya Perera and Baila Miller. Free admission. The series takes place at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, December 4, 11 and 18 at the Jewish Center of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Ave. For more information, contact Baila Miller at 941.416.4362 or baila@bailamillerprograms.com, or visit www. bailamillerprograms.com.

Chanukah at Barnes & Noble Book Fair Join Temple Sinai’s Rabbi Geoff Huntting, Chazzan Cliff Abramson and Director of Early Childhood Education Laura Freedman at the Barnes & Noble Book Fair at 4010 S. Tamiami Trail at 4:00 p.m. to hear entertaining stories and sing some favorite Chanukah songs. Free and open to all. A percentage of the proceeds of the day’s sales will benefit Temple Sinai youth when you use ID number 10514321 at checkout. Call 941.924.1802 for more information.

New Member Dessert The Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232 941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

Temple Beth Israel welcomes new and prospective members for a sweet, informal meet and greet at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. For more information, call 941.383.3428.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS 3B December 2011

December 2011

MonDAY, DECEMBER 5

WEDNESDAY, DecEMBER 7

Women’s Day – “JEWDY! JEWDY! JEWDY!”

Adult Ed at Temple Sinai

Sponsored by Nashim L’Tova (Women For Good), this events features a performance by Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Judy Gold Sponsored by and lunch catered by Michael’s On East. Judy is best known as the star of the critically acclaimed longrunning off-Broadway hit show 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother. Judy is currently performing in her newest one-woman show, The Judy Show, off-Broadway. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on the Federation Campus, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Tickets start at $54. Complete information at www.jfedsrq.org. Questions? Contact Ilene Fox at 941.371.4546 x109 or ifox@jfedsrq.org.

Temple Sinai, at 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge off Proctor between Beneva and Swift Roads, invites you to attend the following on Wednesdays, December 7, 14 and 21: Torah Talk with Rabbi Geoff Huntting at 9:30 a.m.: Delve into the Torah’s words and ideas. No fee. Enhancing your Prayerbook Experience with Chazzan Cliff Abramson at 10:00 a.m.: Through exercises and discussions relating to music and Hebrew, become a more active participant in services. Non-members, $18. Brown Bag with Rabbi Geoffrey Huntting at noon: Bring your lunch and discuss current events. No fee. To Do or Not To Do: The Art of Making Conscious Choices with Reb Ari Shapiro at 1:30 p.m.: Study customs, superstitions, traditions and laws of Judaism as to their original intent and relevance in the 21st century. Call 941.924.1802 for more information.

T U DO

SOL

NCJW celebrates Chanukah

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Tuesdays at TBS: The Rebbe’s Tisch and Scholars Circle Everyone is welcome to join one or both of the ongoing Tuesday morning educational classes presented by Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. From 8:45 - 9:45 a.m., Rabbi Joel Mishkin conducts The Rebbe’s Tisch, focusing on “What the Psalmist Said.” Following, from 9:50 - 10:50 a.m., Marden Paru holds the Scholars Circle, discussing “A Study of Dovid Hamelech – King David Utilizing the Book of Samuel.” The cost for each class for non-members is $36. Registration is required. Please call Temple Beth Sholom at 941.955.8121 to register.

Business networking event The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the Gulf Coast Region of ORT America are hosting a business networking event for Jewish professionals and business owners from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts. The cost is $15 and includes hors d’oeuvres; there will be a cash bar. Anyone who pre-registers will be entered into a raffle for an Apple iPod Shuffle. To register, go to the community calendar at www.jefdsrq.org and click on the Business Networking Event on December 6. For more information, contact Andrew Polin at 541.501.2090 or apolin@ortamerica.org, or Jessica Katz at 941.371.4546 x123 or jkatz@jfedsrq.org.

Guest speaker Rabbi Barbara Aiello, who grew up in Italy, will speak about the Italian way of celebrating Chanukah and other Italian traditions. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a Holiday Boutique, where jewelry, accessories, clothing and gift items will be available for sale. A potluck luncheon follows with Chanukah specialties from around the world prepared by NCJW members. Please join in for an afternoon of shopping, socializing, singing, dining and more at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. No cost. Family and friends are invited. To RSVP, call 941.342.1855 by December 2.

Temple Emanu-El “Lunch with the Rabbi” Temple Emanu-El’s popular monthly program of lunch, dessert, stimulating conversation, and friendly socializing continues. The first Wednesday of the month, at noon, brings temple members and many community guests together for this lunchtime discussion of current events or other subjects of Jewish interest with Rabbi Brenner J. Glickman. Attendees are asked to bring a brown-bag lunch and are also welcome to bring a newspaper article or suggested topic for discussion. Homemade dessert and enjoyable company are provided. Call 941.371.2788 for more information.

You can find additional events in the Community Focus pages in section A and on the calendar page of the Federation’s website at www.jfedsrq.org.

Jews in the News Jimmy Carter

Rahm Emman

Bernie Madoff ube T u o Y

uel

Ahmadinejad Netanyahu

Israel

anti-Semitism Gabe Carmini

This course will provide fascinating historical and cultural insight into today’s current Jewish newsmakers and news events. All topics and events are fair game in this lively forum. Featuring Richard Bergman, Federation’s Director, Community Building. Thursdays in January • 1-2:30pm • The Longboat Key Education Center $75 mem/$85 non • 941.383.8811 • www.lbkeducationcenter.org The Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232 941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS

December 2011 SUNDAY, DecEMBER 11

TuESDAY, DecEMBER 13

“Art Robbins” Men’s Club meeting

“Tuesdays with Rabbi Harold”

Join the Temple Beth El Bradenton Men’s Club for its monthly meeting and “nosh” at 11:00 a.m. at 4200 32nd Street West. There is always an interesting special program planned along with the planning of the next Men’s Club event. All are invited. For more information, call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Join Rabbi Harold Caminker of Temple Beth El Bradenton at 2:00 p.m. for his monthly series of discussions on various subjects, including Jewish holidays, Jewish current events, and discussions on recent news or magazine articles that pertain to the Jewish world. “Tuesdays with Rabbi Harold” is free and open to the entire community. Temple Beth El is located on the campus of Unity Church in the Woods at 4200 32nd Street West. For more information, please call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and noon.

Zionist Organization of America meeting Chaim Silberstein, Executive Director of Keep Jerusalem United and the founder and President of the Jerusalem Capital Development Fund, will present “If We Forget Thee Jerusalem.” Mr. Silberstein is a leading activist fighting to protect Jerusalem’s Jewish history and character. This free event begins at 2:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. For more information, contact the Zionist Organization of America, Sarasota-Manatee Chapter, at info@ZOASarasota.org or visit www.ZOASarasota.org.

Jewish Women’s Circle Join Chabad of Bradenton’s Jewish Women’s Circle (JWC) to celebrate the Jewish woman with song and dance with acclaimed Jewish singer Chana’le. Enjoy a women-only cabaret-style evening with a Jewish twist! Dinner will be served. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at Chabad Jewish Center, 11534 Palmbrush Trail, Bradenton. Cost: JWC members/$25, nonmembers/$30. All registrations after December 1 are $36. Sponsor this fabulous event for $250. Become a Patron for $136 or a Friend for $72. Call 941.752.3030 to register or for more information.

Jeff Jacoby lecture Mr. Jacoby will discuss “A Two-State Solution and Other Myths of the Middle East.” Jeff Jacoby has been an Op-Ed columnist for The Boston Globe since February 1994. Seeking a conservative voice to balance its famously liberal roster of commentators, the Globe hired him away from the Boston Herald, where he had been chief editorial writer since 1987. His twice-weekly essays had been dubbed “a must-read,” and the Globe was receiving more letters to the editor about Mr. Jacoby’s columns than about those of all the other columnists combined. A native of Cleveland, Mr. Jacoby graduated with honors from George Washington University in 1979 and from Boston University Law School in 1983. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on the Federation Campus, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Heller IAI and Helen and Len Glaser. Cost: $10 per person. Tickets available at www.jfedsrq.org. For more information, contact Geneve Kallins at 941.371.4546 x105 or gkallins@jfedsrq.org.

Comedy Central at Chabad SRQ Laugh ’til you drop at Chabad of Sarasota’s 8th annual Comedy Central featuring Sarge, who has performed worldwide to adoring audiences. His side-splitting comedy, touching vocals and stunning display of dexterity as a pianist have wowed crowds for decades. From Radio City Music Hall to Major league Baseball’s All-Star game to entertaining our nation’s troops in Iraq, Sarge’s ability to improvise and tailor his show to specific audiences is uncanny. Join us at 7:00 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Admission: $40. Sponsorships are available. A private pre-show with the comedian will take place for event sponsors. For reservations, call the office at 941.925.0770 or visit www.chabadofsarasota.com.

Israeli Dance Performance by Ramat Gan Dance Theater The Ramat Gan Dance Theater is sponsored by the city of Ramat Gan, Israel’s fourth largest city. Members of the troupe, which was founded in 1991, range from elementary school students to adults age 28, including soldiers who dedicate their free time to rehearsing and learning new folk dancing techniques. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Beatrice Friedman Theater on the Federation Campus, 582 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $5 in advance; $10 at the door; free for kids. Tickets available at www.jfedsrq.org. For more information, contact Orna Nissan at 941.371.4546 x104 or onissan@jfedsrq.org.

4th Annual Jewish Food Festival Looking for a great Glatt Kosher corned Sunday, December 11 ~ 10 to 3 beef or pastrami sandwich on Jewish Rye? Free •Admission Full Service Deli Sandwiches and Deli Meat by the pound

Health Authentic homemade comfort foods: • Large selection of prepared salads Vendors Arts & Crafts booths, Used products, unique Chicken Matzoh Ball Soup, Sweet• Various & SourIsraeli Cabbage grocery items, full&line of baked goods Book Sales. Entertainment Soup, Blintzes, Corned Beef Sandwiches, Kasha • Fresh Beef, Poultry, Fish & and a variety Activities Children’s Located in the Chopped Tampa JCCLiver, Knishes and much Bowties, Kugel, of cheeses available by order only throughout the day! 13009 Campus Drive, Tampa more.Community Baked Goodies galore. Dine• Catering in or Takeaway. for all events, large or small Open for breakfast & lunch

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS 5B December 2011

December 2011

Lauren Rudd Syndicated Columnist – Sarasota Herald-Tribune Partner – Day Hagan Asset Management A disciplined, time-tested approach to asset management.

(941) 346-5444

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December 2011

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

JEWISH HAPPENINGS FRIDAY, DecEMBER 16

SaBra Hadassah luncheon

Brandeis annual Chanukah party

The Centennial Celebrations have begun! The Palm Aire Golf and Country Club will be the site of the SaBra Hadassah Chapter luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Plan to attend just in time to find the perfect gift for Hanukkah. Art A La Carte, a consortium of local artists, will be available to present their creations to the group. The tasty luncheon will be topped off by readings by the Sarasota Literacy Council. Send couvert of $30 to Elaine Sandler, 7909 Broadmoor Pines Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34243. For more information, call Carol Rosenberg at 941.907.9015 or Elaine Sandler at 941.359.2928.

Please join the Brandeis National Committee (BNC) Sarasota chapter for a wonderful brunch and program to celebrate Chanukah. The program includes Ms. Laurie Vodnoy-Wright, who will entertain us with classical and Chanukah music, as well as a “white elephant” gift sale, and the collection of donated items for the Hope Family Services. The party begins at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. $15 for members and $20 for guests. Prepaid reservations only. RSVP by December 12 to Nancy Gold at 941.924.4866.

Interesting Lives program presents Jerry Beck

Kevin Costello on “Jewish Artists”

Jerry Beck, born in the Free City of Danzig in 1926, came to the United States in 1939. Jerry joined Ford Motor Company, where he spent his career, first as an engineer, and later as a lawyer. Come and learn about Jerry’s accomplishments at Ford. There is no cost to attend this program which begins at 1:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Idelson Adult Library, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Please contact Judy Lebowich at 941. 371.4686 or lebowich.judy@comcast.net for further information.

Join the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (CHJ) to hear Kevin Costello, artist, art critic, lecturer, teacher and, until recently, Art Correspondent for the Sarasota Herald Tribune. Born in St. Peter Port, Guernsey in the British Channel Islands, he graduated the Chelsea School of Art and Goldsmith College, University of London. Kevin will present “Jewish Artists” following the Chanukah service. The public is welcome at 7:30 p.m. at Unity, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or visit www.chj-sarasota.org.

Israel Wall street GIlad PalestIne Iran a part of the conversation Obama

Chocolate Shabbat The Sisterhood of Temple Beth El Bradenton is welcoming the holiday season with a Chocolate Shabbat. Everything will have a chocolate theme. There will be cakes, cookies, puddings, fruit, and even cake popsicles. Come join us at 4200 32nd Street West and enjoy our chocolate delights. The pre-Chanukah Shabbat service will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to noon.

www.FederationBlog.org

The Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232 941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

Sarasota-Manatee Friends of American Friends of Magen David Adom Invites you to

A Discussion with Frida Ghitis World Affairs Columnist and Consultant, Miami Herald, World Politics Review, and others

Israel’s Looming Global Changes, Risk and Opportunity Tuesday, January 10 at 6:30 pm Michaels On East, 1212 South East Avenue, Sarasota Frida Ghitis is a world affairs columnist whose articles appear in dozens of publications across the globe. She started her career at CNN, where she was a producer and correspondent covering some of the most important events of our time. She has worked in more than 60 countries and travels frequently to peaceful and not so peaceful places. In the last 18 months alone she reported from Kosovo, Macedonia, Sri Lanka and Israel, among others. She has worked in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait and, of course, Israel. She has interviewed Marxist guerrillas in the Amazon jungle, has sat down with Fidel Castro, and met with newly-released POWs in the Iraqi desert. She covered wars in Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq and Kuwait. In addition to the Miami Herald, where she writes a column distributed to hundreds of newspapers throughout the world, her work has appeared in the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Jerusalem Post, CNN.com, and many others.

For information contact Committee Chair Gila Goldner Meriwether at 941-320-9297 or gilam@comcast.net

140 kosher characters

twitter.com/jfedsrq

Committee Barbara Ackerman Issac Azerad Alice Cotman Rachel Dulin Helen Fagin Renee Hamad Susan Landau Linda Lederberg SueAnn Levin Harry Lifsec Michael Meriwether

Gloria Moss Kayla Niles Nikki Nilon Marden Paru Julie Riddell Norma & Sam Savin Barbara Srur Susan & Jack Steenberger Barry Stein Howard Tevlowitz Marcia Jean Taub

All proceeds will benefit American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), which supports the lifesaving efforts of Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s disaster, ambulance and blood services.

Saving Lives in Israel

www.afmda.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS 7B December 2011

December 2011

SUNDAY, DecEMBER 18 Chanukah Family Fun Day: Latke & Doughnut Bake-Off Join the Chabad Hebrew School (CHS) and bring family and friends to fry and decorate doughnuts and latkes! This program is the second in a series of four Family Fun Days that Chabad Hebrew School holds throughout the year. Admission is $5 and free to CHS students and families to this event which runs from 11:00 a.m. to noon at Chabad Jewish Center, 11534 Palmbrush Trail, Bradenton. Call Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 for more information.

Jewish Genealogical Society program Join us at 1:00 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota, to hear Jo Ann Goldwater speak on the topic “Tracing My Grandfather’s Journey from Lithuania to Riga to Dublin 1891-2009.” In July 2009, Jo Ann took a Jewish roots tour and revisited the places where her grandfather, Abba Goldvasser, stopped on his way from the shtetls of Lithuania to Riga, Latvia, and to Dublin, Ireland, before settling in Montreal in 1893. She will share with you her photos and memories of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome. For details, please contact Kim Sheintal at 941.921.1433 or klapshein@aol.com.

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Catering

100 Voices film at Temple Emanu-El Hailed as “warmhearted,” “profound,” “rewarding,” “inspiring,” and “glorious,” the film 100 Voices: A Journey Home will enjoy its Sarasota premiere on Temple Emanu-El’s state-of-the-art film projection system. The film is a compelling musical documentary chronicling the history of Jewish culture in Poland – and its amazing resurgence – through the personal reflections and musical selections of a group of cantors and acclaimed composer Charles Fox. The film will be shown at 2:00 p.m. at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Admission is $5. For more information, contact Temple Emanu-El Chair of Adult Education Eunice Cohen at 941.349.4367 or eunice.cohen@comcast.net.

SARASOTA Westfield Southgate (941) 362-3692 Locations also in Tampa • Clearwater

Fellner On Film Series

MonDAY, DECEMBER 19

Conducted by Rabbi Azriel Fellner

Annual Downtown Hanukkah celebration Once again this year, the Jewish community in Bradenton will be holding its Downtown Bradenton Hanukkah celebration. As in years before, we gather at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Manatee Players Theater (102 12th St. West), where the city of Bradenton puts up a large electric menorah. This year’s celebration will be filled with singing, dancing, special readings by members of Temple Beth El and Congregation Ner Tamid, the religious school students of both congregations and, of course, the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah. The entire community is invited to share in this event which has become bigger and better each year. For more information, call Rabbi Harold Caminker or Dr. Robyn Spirtas at Temple Beth El at 941.755.4900, Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to noon, or Elaine Mittler at Congregation Ner Tamid at 941.755.1231.

January 16 & 17, 2012 • Federation Campus Azriel Fellner has spent 20 years lecturing on movies for synagogues, community centers such as the 92nd Street Y and educational institutions throughout the U.S. Fellner edits film to illustrate and dramatize his programs and lectures.

$5 per movie / $10 for series • Get tickets: www.jfedsrq.org This program is underwritten by Leonard & Helen Glaser

The Klingenstein Jewish Center

580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232

941.371.4546

www.jfedsrq.org

Attention Bridge PlAyers The Bridge Group meets Thursday afternoons from 1-4pm at the Federation Campus (582 McIntosh Road).

Brother against brother, Jew against Jew ...

Open to intermediate and advanced bridge players. For more information, call Jayne Rosenberg at 941-378-9323.

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10,000 Jewish soldiers fought in the nation’s deadliest war, in numbers proportionally higher than other American groups. Jewish Soldiers in Blue & Gray explores the little known history of the Civil War Jews who fought on both sides of the battlefield—7,000 for the Union and 3,000 for the Confederacy. A dramatic and visually-rich film narrated by Oscarnominated screenwriter John Milius (Apocalypse Now) with Sam Waterston (Law & Order) voicing Abraham Lincoln.

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Sunday, January, 22, 2012

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Sponsored by Deanne and Arnold Kaplan. Presented in partnership with The Jewish Club of Lakewood Ranch. The Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232 941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

December 2011

Chanukah begins Tuesday night, December 20 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Taste of Chanukah at Five Points Park Sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, this year’s Chanukah festival, “A Taste of Chanukah,” at Five Points Park in downtown Sarasota will be a truly spectacular event. The event takes place from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. A master ice sculptor will build a giant ice menorah! Event attractions include crafts for children, the Chabad Children’s Choir, the performance of an all new Chanukah hula dance, the opportunity to shop from local vendors, and a visit by Judah the Maccabee. A variety of kosher food items including latkes, stuffed cabbage, shwarma, hot dogs and baked goods will be available for sale. This community-wide event is free. For more information, call 941.925.0770 or visit www. chabadofsarasota.com.

Chanukah menorah lighting in North Port Sponsored by

Join Chabad of Venice & North Port at 5:00 p.m. for a grand menorah lighting at The Warm Mineral Springs in North Port. Live music, hot delicious latkes and donuts! This free event is co-sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. For more information, please call 941.493.2770.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21

JEWISH HAPPENINGS / CHANUKAH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 Grand Chanukah menorah lighting in Englewood Sponsored by

Join Chabad of Venice & North Port at 5:00 p.m. for a grand menorah lighting at 475 West Dearborn St., Englewood. Live music, hot delicious latkes and donuts, “Guess the Dreidel,” Judah the Maccabee and more! This free event is co-sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. For more information, please call 941.493.2770.

FRIDAY, DecEMBER 23 Annual Hanukkah party at Kol HaNeshama Join Congregation Kol HaNeshama at 6:00 p.m. for good music, good food (full Shabbat/holiday dinner), and fun and games for parents, grandparents and kids, to celebrate the festival. This is a good time to check out Sarasota’s youngest congregation, located at South Gate Community Center, 3145 South Gate Circle, Sarasota, and experience the warmth, friendliness and caring of this very special community. No one goes home without having made a new friend! Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members, $15 teens, under 13 no charge. Contact Toby Deutsch at 941.387.2233 or toby@ circussands.com for more information.

Family potluck Hanukkah celebration Join the Temple Beth El Bradenton Jewish community at 6:00 p.m. at 4200 32nd Street West for a Hanukkah celebration and potluck (dairy) dinner. This annual event abounds with song and celebration as our Religious School children perform. Each family is invited to bring their family menorah and light them under the light of our Temple menorah, donated to us by Johanna Hagedoorn, rescued during the Shoah and presented to Temple Beth El many years ago. For more information, call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Chanukah celebration on Main Street

“Hanukkah Happening” at Temple Emanu-El

Light up the night with live music and the fabulous Hip Hop Dance Group. Frying doughnuts, cotton candy, raffles, pictures with Judah the Maccabee, dreidel house, olive oil factory, falafel by Yoav, and delicious Kosher food are just some of the fabulous fun things offered for the whole family at this exciting celebration. This event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch, is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Admission is free. Some food fees may apply. Call Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 for more information.

Join Temple Emanu-El at 6:00 p.m. at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, for a joyful and festive Hanukkah celebration for the entire family. We’ll begin with a delicious homemade dinner prepared by religious school families; the menu includes brisket with all the trimmings, roast chicken, salad, rolls, and plenty of latkes! There’s also a menorah-making contest, a visit from Judah the Maccabee, crafts and doughnut-decorating, a silent auction, songs, blessings and fun. Dreidels and gelt for all! Family Hanukkah service follows at 7:30 p.m. $20/adult; $10/children ages 5-13; free for kids 4 and under. For more information, contact Temple Emanu-El Religious School at 941.371.2788 or teers@sarasotatemple.org.